Diagnostic analyzers with pretreatment carousels and related methods

ABSTRACT

Diagnostic analyzers with pretreatment carousels and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first carousel that includes a first annular array of slots to receive a first vessel. The example first carousel also includes a first track of rotation about the first carousel having a first diameter and a second track of rotation about the first carousel having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The example apparatus includes a first diverter to move the first vessel from the first track to the second track. In addition, the example apparatus includes a second carousel coaxial with the first carousel. The example second carousel includes a second annular array of slots to receive a second vessel.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/142,474, titled “DIAGNOSTIC ANALYZERS WITH PRETREATMENT CAROUSELS ANDRELATED METHODS,” filed Dec. 27, 2013, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/792,779, titled “DIAGNOSTIC ANALYZERSWITH PRETREATMENT CAROUSELS AND RELATED METHODS,” filed Mar. 15, 2013.U.S. application Ser. No. 14/142,474 and U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/792,779 are incorporated herein by this reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to automated diagnosticanalyzers and, more particularly, to automated diagnostic analyzers withpretreatment carousels and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Automated diagnostic analyzers employ multiple carousels and multiplepipetting mechanisms to automatically aspirate fluid from and dispensefluid to different areas in the analyzer to perform diagnostic analysisprocedures. Some known analyzers include a reaction vessel carouselhaving multiple reaction vessels and modules around the carousel toperform various functions on the reaction vessels as the carouselrotates. The diagnostic analyzers perform different diagnostic testsdepending on the type of sample and/or the type of testing desired.Different diagnostic tests may involve different amounts of time forincubation, mixing, reading and other assay steps. Known analyzers thataccommodate testing procedures that include relatively long and/orotherwise detailed steps that increase the duration of a test have lowthroughput.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example processing trackhaving concentric carousels in accordance with the teachings of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an example diagnostic analyzer includingthe example processing track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the example processing track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an example track system utilized inthe example processing track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view from the bottom of examplediverters utilized with the example processing track of FIG. 1 andengaged with example reaction vessels.

FIG. 4C illustrates a bottom view of the example diverters of FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view from the bottom an example coverhaving the example track system of FIG. 4A and the example diverters ofFIGS. 4B and 4C.

FIG. 4E illustrates a bottom view of the example cover and the examplediverters of FIG. 4D.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the example processing trackof FIG. 1 and example pipetting mechanisms.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of the example processing track andpipetting mechanisms of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front side view of the example processing trackand pipetting mechanisms of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example processing system for theexample analyzer and/or the example processing track shown in FIGS.1-5C.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example pretreatment process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example pretreatment process.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart illustrating an example diagnostic testingprocess.

FIG. 9B is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a processor platform for use with the examplesdisclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and describedin detail below. In describing these examples, like or identicalreference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. Thefigures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certainviews of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematicfor clarity and/or conciseness. Additionally, several examples have beendescribed throughout this specification. Any features from any examplemay be included with, a replacement for, or otherwise combined withother features from other examples.

Diagnostics laboratories employ diagnostic instruments such as those fortesting and analyzing specimens or samples including, for example,clinical chemistry analyzers, immunoassay analyzers and hematologyanalyzers. Specimens and biological samples are analyzed to, forexample, check for the presence or absence of an item of interestincluding, for example, a specific region of DNA, mitochondrial DNA, aspecific region of RNA, messenger RNA, transfer RNA, mitochondrial RNA,a fragment, a complement, a peptide, a polypeptide, an enzyme, a prion,a protein, an antibody, an antigen, an allergen, a part of a biologicalentity such as a cell or a viron, a surface protein, and/or functionalequivalent(s) of the above. Specimens such as a patient's body fluids(e.g., serum, whole blood, urine, swabs, plasma, cerebra-spinal fluid,lymph fluids, tissue solids) can be analyzed using a number of differenttests to provide information about the patient's health.

Generally, analysis of a test sample involves the reaction of testsamples with one or more reagents with respect to one or more analytes.The reaction mixtures are analyzed by an apparatus for one or morecharacteristics such as, for example, the presence and/or concentrationof a certain analyte in the test sample. Use of automated diagnosticanalyzers improves the efficiency of the laboratory procedures becausethe technician (e.g., an operator) has fewer tasks to perform and, thus,the potential for operator or technician error is reduced. In addition,automated diagnostic analyzers also provide results much more rapidlyand with increased accuracy and repeatability.

Automated diagnostic analyzers use multiple pipettes to move liquidsbetween storage containers (e.g., receptacles such as open topped tubes)and containers in which the specimens are to be processed (e.g.,reaction vessels). For example, a specimen may be contained in a tubeloaded in a rack on an analyzer, and a head carrying a pipette moves thepipette into the tube where a vacuum is applied to extract a selectedamount of the specimen from the tube into the pipette. The head retractsthe pipette from the tube and moves to another tube or reaction vessellocated at a processing station and deposits the extracted specimen fromthe pipette into the reaction vessel. A reagent is similarly acquiredfrom a reagent supply.

Some diagnostic analyzers employ a processing carousel having aplurality of reaction vessels to conduct diagnostic tests. As theprocessing carousel rotates, multiple functions and diagnostic testingprocedures are performed on the individual reaction vessels. Somediagnostic tests require a longer incubation time for effective reactionbetween the sample and the one or more reagents than other tests. Someknown analyzers include a single processing track and conduct differenttesting procedures including those that involve longer reacting tests inthe single processing track of the analyzer. Thus, the assay steps andscheduling protocols are developed based on the test durations, and thelongest type of test determines the throughput of the analyzer. Inaddition, some tests, such as for example, those with relatively fasterreactions and/or lower incubation periods, remain idle for periods oftime.

The example analyzers and/or processing tracks disclosed herein includea pretreatment carousel for the performance of testing procedures thatoccur in preparation for a diagnostic test such as, for example,incubation, dilution, etc. In some examples, the pretreatment carouselis positioned coplanar and concentric with a main processing carousel.Pretreatment operations are performed in a plurality of reaction vesselson the pretreatment carousel and then the contents or portions of thecontents of the reaction vessels are transferred to other reactionvessels on the main processing carousel for analysis. Therefore, thepretreatment operations occur in a different area outside of the mainprocessing carousel and, thus, diagnostic testing timing and throughputmay be increased on the main processing carousel.

The example analyzers and/or processing tracks disclosed herein alsoinclude multiple pipetting mechanisms positioned around the processingtrack to aspirate and/or dispense liquids to and from differentlocations on the carousels. In some examples, a first pipettingmechanism is used to dispense a sample into a reaction vessel on themain processing carousel and may also be used to transfer a pretreatedsample from the pretreatment carousel to the main processing carousel.In some examples, one or more other pipetting mechanism(s) may be usedto dispense one or more reagent(s) into one or more reaction vessel(s)during a test such as, for example, at different times during diagnostictesting and/or at different locations on the carousels.

In some examples, the analyzers and/or processing tracks disclosedherein are used for immunoassays, which are biochemical tests thatmeasure the concentration of a substance in a biological liquid, e.g.,serum, using the reaction of an antibody and respective antigen. Aparticular type of immunoassay known as chemiluminescent microparticleimmunoassay and/or a chemiluminescent magnetic immunoassay involvesmagnetic or paramagnetic materials and a chemiluminescent labelconjugated to an antibody or an antigen. In this assay, a magneticmicroparticle is coated with a first antibody. A second antibody islabeled with a chemiluminescent label and not attached to a magneticmicroparticle. The antibodies and corresponding antigens react and theattached chemiluminescent label produces measurable light indicative ofthe amount of analyte present in the sample.

In other examples, the example analyzers and/or processing tracksdisclosed herein are used for clinical chemistry assays, which arebiochemical tests that measure the concentration of a substance from,for example, blood or urine. The concentrations indicate the conditionor state of health of the various systems of the body.

An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first carouselcomprising a first annular array of slots to receive a first vessel, afirst track of rotation about the first carousel having a first diameterand a second track of rotation about the first carousel having a seconddiameter smaller than the first diameter. The example apparatus includesa first diverter to move the first vessel from the first track to thesecond track. The example apparatus also includes a second carouselcoaxial with the first carousel, the second carousel comprising a secondannular array of slots to receive a second vessel. In some examples, thesecond carousel is concentric to the first carousel.

In some examples, the apparatus also includes a second diverter to movethe first vessel from one portion of the second track to another portionof the second track. In some examples, apparatus also includes a thirddiverter to move the first vessel from the second track to a washstation. In some such examples, the apparatus also includes a fourthdiverter to remove the second vessel from the second carousel.

In some examples, the first carousel includes a first innercircumference and a first outer circumference, the second carouselincludes a second inner circumference and a second outer circumference,and the second inner circumference is disposed outside of the firstouter circumference. In some such examples, the apparatus includes afirst pipetting mechanism disposed outside of the second outercircumference. The example first pipetting mechanism is to aspirate froma first container disposed outside of the second outer circumference andto dispense to at least one of the first vessel on the first carousel orthe second vessel on the second carousel. In some examples, the firstpipetting mechanism is to aspirate from the second vessel on the secondcarousel and to dispense to the first vessel on the first carousel.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a second pipetting mechanismdisposed outside of the second outer circumference. The example secondpipetting mechanism is positioned to aspirate from a second containerdisposed outside of the second outer circumference. The second pipettingmechanism also is to aspirate from and/or dispense to the second vesselon the second carousel and to dispense to the first vessel on the firstcarousel.

In some such examples, the first pipetting mechanism has a first pipettearm that is movable along a first path of travel over the first vesselon the first carousel and the second vessel on the second carousel, andthe second pipetting mechanism has a second pipette arm that is movablealong a second path of travel over a third vessel on the first carouseland a fourth vessel on the second carousel. In some examples, the firstpath of travel intersects the first carousel in two locations and thesecond carousel in two locations.

In some examples, the apparatus also includes a third pipettingmechanism disposed inside of the first inner circumference. The examplethird pipetting mechanism is positioned to aspirate from a thirdcontainer disposed inside of the first inner circumference and todispense into the first vessel on the first carousel. In some suchexamples, the third pipetting mechanism is offset from a first axisabout which the first carousel and the second carousel are to rotate. Insome examples, at least one of the second container or the thirdcontainer is disposed below the first carousel.

In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism is to dispense to thefirst vessel when the first vessel is on the first track of the firstcarousel. In some such examples, the second pipetting mechanism is todispense to the first vessel when the first vessel is on the first trackof the first carousel. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanismto dispense to the first vessel when the first vessel is on the secondtrack of the first carousel. In some examples, the second pipettingmechanism is to dispense a paramagnetic microparticle liquid into atleast one of the first vessel on the first carousel or the second vesselon the second carousel.

In some examples, each of the slots is elongated to receive more thanone vessel. In some examples, a first slot of the first annular array ofslots is to receive the first vessel in the first track and a thirdvessel in the second track. In some examples, the second annular arrayof slots comprises a greater number of slots than the first annulararray of slots.

In some examples, the second track comprises a spiral track, wherein thefirst vessel in one of the first annular array of slots on the firstcarousel follows the spiral track as the first carousel rotates. In somesuch examples, the spiral track decreases in diameter to lead the firstvessel from an outer radial position on the first carousel to an innerradial position on the first carousel. In some examples, the firstvessel in one of the first annular array of slots is to move from theouter radial position to the inner radial position after at least tworotations of the first carousel.

In some examples, the first carousel rotates in a plurality ofintervals, each interval comprising an advancement and a stop. In somesuch examples, each interval of the first carousel is about 18 seconds.In some examples, the second carousel rotates in a plurality ofintervals, each interval comprises a major interval and a minorinterval. In some examples, the minor interval of the second carouselcomprises an advancement and a stop, and the major interval of thesecond carousel comprises an advancement and a stop. In some suchexamples, each interval of the second carousel is about 18 seconds. Insome examples, the major interval is about 16 seconds.

Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first carouselrotatably coupled to a base. The example first carousel has a firstdiameter and a first annular array of slots to receive a first pluralityof vessels. The example apparatus also includes a second carouselrotatably coupled to the base. The example second carousel is coaxialwith the first carousel, has a second diameter larger than the firstdiameter and has second annular array of slots to receive a secondplurality of vessels. The example apparatus includes a first pipettingmechanism disposed outside of the first diameter and outside of thesecond diameter. The example first pipetting mechanism is positioned toaspirate from a first container disposed outside of the first diameterand the second diameter and to dispense to one of the first plurality ofvessels on the first carousel and one of the second plurality of vesselson the second carousel. The example apparatus also includes a secondpipetting mechanism disposed outside of the first diameter and outsideof the second diameter. The second pipetting mechanism of the exampleapparatus is positioned to aspirate from a second container disposedoutside of the first diameter and the second diameter, to aspirate fromor dispense to one of the second plurality of vessels on the secondcarousel, and to dispense to one of the plurality of vessels on thefirst carousel.

The example apparatus also includes a third pipetting mechanism disposedwithin the first diameter and within the second diameter, and the thirdpipetting mechanism is positioned to aspirate from a third containerdisposed within the first diameter and the second diameter and todispense to one of the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel.In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism is offset from an axisof rotation of the first carousel.

In some examples, the second carousel is concentric with the firstcarousel. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism has a firstpipette arm that is movable along a first path of travel over a firstvessel of the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel and asecond vessel of the second plurality of vessels on the second carousel.In some such examples, the second pipetting mechanism has a secondpipette arm that is movable along a second path of travel over a thirdvessel of the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel and afourth vessel of the second plurality of vessels on the second carousel.In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism has a third pipette armthat is movable along a third path of travel over a fifth vessel of thefirst plurality of vessels on the first carousel. In some examples, atleast one of the first pipetting mechanism, the second pipettingmechanism or the third pipetting mechanism is movable in a substantiallyvertical direction.

In some examples, the first carousel comprises a spiral track, and afirst vessel of the first plurality of vessels in one of the firstannular array of slots on the first carousel follows the spiral track asthe first carousel rotates. In some such examples, the spiral track isto lead the first vessel from an outer radial location on the firstcarousel to an inner radial location on the first carousel. In someexamples, the first carousel comprises a plurality of diverters todivert one or more of the first plurality of vessels from one locationon the spiral track to another location on the spiral track.

An example method disclosed herein comprises rotating a first carouselrelative to a base. In the example method, the first carousel comprisesa first annular array of slots to receive a first plurality of vessels,a first track of rotation about the first carousel having a firstdiameter and a second track of rotation about the first carousel havinga second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The example methodincludes diverting at least one of the first plurality of vessels fromthe first track to the second track. The example method also includesrotating a second carousel relative to the base, the second carouselbeing coaxial with the first carousel, the second carousel comprising asecond annular array of slots to receive a second plurality of vessels.

In some examples, the second carousel is concentric with the firstcarousel. In some examples, the method includes diverting at least oneof the first plurality of vessels from one location on the second trackto another location on the second track. In some such examples, themethod includes diverting at least one of the first plurality of vesselsfrom the second track to a wash station.

In some examples, the first carousel comprises a first diameter and thesecond carousel comprises a second diameter larger than the firstdiameter. In some examples, the method includes aspirating a first fluidfrom a first container disposed outside of the first diameter and thesecond diameter and dispensing the first fluid into at least one of thefirst plurality of vessels on the first carousel or one of the secondplurality of vessels on the second carousel. In some such examples, themethod includes aspirating a second fluid from one of the secondplurality of vessels on the second carousel and dispensing the secondfluid into one of the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel.

In some examples, the method includes aspirating a third fluid from asecond container disposed outside of the first diameter and the seconddiameter and dispensing the third fluid into at least one of the firstplurality of vessels on the first carousel or one of the secondplurality of vessels on the second carousel. In some such examples, themethod includes the method includes aspirating the third fluid from thesecond container, aspirating a fourth fluid from one of the secondplurality of vessels on the second carousel and dispensing the thirdfluid and the fourth fluid into one of the first plurality of vessels onthe first carousel. In some examples, the method includes aspirating afifth fluid from a third container disposed within the first diameterand the second diameter and dispensing the fifth fluid into one of thefirst plurality of vessels on the first carousel. In some such examples,the fifth fluid is dispensed into one of the first plurality of vesselswhen the vessel is on the second track of rotation.

In some examples, the method includes rotating the first carousel totransport one of the vessels of the first plurality of vessels on thesecond track of rotation from an outer radial location on the firstcarousel to an inner radial location on the first carousel. In some suchexamples, the second track of rotation comprises a spiral, and rotatingone of the first plurality of vessels on the second track moves thevessel from the outer radial location to the inner radial location. Insome examples, the first carousel is to complete at least two rotationsto transport the vessel from the outer radial location to the innerradial location on the first carousel.

Another example method is disclosed here that includes rotating a firstcarousel relative to a base. The example first carousel has a firstdiameter and a first annular array of slots to receive a first pluralityof vessels. The example method also includes rotating a second carouselrelative to the base. The example second carousel is coaxial with thefirst carousel, and the example second carousel has a second diameterlarger than the first diameter and a second annular array of slots toreceive a second plurality of vessels.

The example method includes aspirating a first fluid (e.g., a sample)from a first container outside of the first diameter and the seconddiameter via a first pipetting mechanism. The example first pipettingmechanism is positioned outside of the first diameter and outside of thesecond diameter. The example method includes dispensing the first fluid,via the first pipetting mechanism, into at least one of one of the firstplurality of vessels on the first carousel or one of the secondplurality of vessels on the second carousel. The example method alsoincludes aspirating a second fluid from a second container outside ofthe first diameter and the second diameter via a second pipettingmechanism. The example second pipetting mechanism is positioned outsideof the first diameter and outside of the second diameter. The examplemethod includes dispensing the second fluid, via the second pipettingmechanism, into at least one of one of the first plurality of vessels onthe first carousel or one of the second plurality of vessels on thesecond carousel. The example method includes aspirating a third fluidfrom a third container disposed within the first diameter and the seconddiameter via a third pipetting mechanism. The example third pipettingmechanism is positioned inside of the first diameter and the seconddiameter. The example method also includes dispensing the third fluid,via the third pipetting mechanism, into one of the first plurality ofvessels on the first carousel.

In some examples, the second carousel is concentric with the firstcarousel. In some examples, the method includes aspirating, via thefirst pipetting mechanism, a fourth fluid from one of the secondplurality of vessels on the second carousel and dispensing, via thefirst pipetting mechanism, the fourth fluid into one of the firstplurality of vessels on the first carousel. In some such examples, themethod includes aspirating, via the second pipetting mechanism, a fifthfluid from one of the second plurality of vessels on the second carouseland dispensing, via the second pipetting mechanism, the fifth fluid intoone of the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel.

In some examples, the first carousel comprises a first track of rotationand a second track of rotation. The example second track of rotationcomprises a spiral track. In some such examples, the method includesrotating the first carousel to transport one of the first plurality ofvessels along the second track. In some examples, rotating the one ofthe first plurality of vessels along the second track moves the vesselfrom an outer radial location on the first carousel to an inner radiallocation on the first carousel.

In some examples, the method includes diverting, via a first diverter,one of the first plurality of vessels from the first track to the secondtrack. In some such examples, the method includes diverting, via asecond diverter, one of the first plurality of vessels from a firstlocation on the second track to a second location on the second track.In some examples, the method includes diverting, via a third diverter,one of the first plurality of vessels from the second track of rotationto a wash station.

In some examples, the method includes rotating the first carousel in aplurality of intervals, each interval having and advancement and a stop.In some examples, each of the intervals of the first carousel is about18 seconds. In some examples, the method includes rotating the secondcarousel in a plurality of minor intervals and major intervals. In someexamples, the minor interval has an advancement and a stop, and themajor interval has an advancement and a stop. In some examples, each ofthe minor intervals of the second carousel is about two seconds. In somesuch examples, each of the major intervals of the second carousel isabout 16 seconds.

In another example disclosed herein, an example apparatus includes acarousel having an outer edge, an inner edge and annular array ofelongated slots extended between the out edge and the inner edge toreceive a plurality of vessels. In addition, the example carouselincludes a spiral track extending from the outer edge to the inner edgein a spiral rotation (e.g., coiled, corkscrewed, helical, etc.) to guidea vessel from a first position adjacent the outer edge to a secondposition adjacent the inner edge.

In some examples, the example apparatus includes a diverter to move thevessel from a first location on the spiral track to a second location onthe spiral track. In some examples, the example apparatus includes acircular track surrounding the spiral track. Also, in some examples, theexample apparatus includes a diverter to move a vessel from the circulartrack to the spiral track.

Also disclosed herein is an example apparatus that includes a carouselhaving an annular array of slots to receive a plurality of vessels. Theexample apparatus also includes a first track of rotation about thecarousel having a first circumference and a second track of rotationabout the carousel disposed within the first circumference, the secondtrack comprising a spiral path.

In some examples, the example apparatus includes a diverter to move avessel from the first track to the second track. In some examples, theexample apparatus includes a diverter to move one of the plurality ofvessels from one portion of the second track to another portion of thesecond track. In some examples, the example apparatus includes adiverter to move one of the plurality of vessels from the second trackto a side track. Also, in some examples, the side track leads to a washstation.

In some examples, each of the slots of the example apparatus iselongated to receive more than one vessel. In some examples, when afirst vessel is in one of the annular array of slots and is engaged withthe second track. The first vessel follows the spiral path as thecarousel rotates. In some examples, the first vessel is to move from anouter radial position on the carousel an inner radial position on thecarousel as the carousel rotates.

In some examples, the first track is disposed above the carousel and avessel on the carousel is to engage the first track when the vessel isdisposed in one of the annular array of slots. Also in some examples,the second track is disposed above the carousel and a vessel on thecarousel is to engage the second track when the vessel is disposed inone of the annular array of slots. In some examples, a first vessel anda second vessel are disposed in the same slot. In addition, in someexamples, the example apparatus also includes a cover to cover thecarousel, wherein the first track and the second track are coupled to abottom surface of the cover.

In some examples, the example apparatus includes a heat block disposedbelow the carousel. The heat block, in some examples, includes aplurality grooves substantially aligned with the first track and thesecond track. In addition, in some examples, when a vessel is disposedin one of the annular array of slots on the first carousel, at least aportion of the vessel is disposed within one of the plurality of groovesin the heat block.

Also disclose herein is an example method that includes rotating a firstcarousel having a first vessel through a first plurality of intervals,each of the first plurality of intervals comprising a first advancementand a first stop. The example method also includes rotating a secondcarousel having a second vessel through a second plurality of intervals,each of the second plurality of intervals comprising a secondadvancement, a second stop, a third advancement and a third stop.

In some examples, the duration of the first plurality of intervals issubstantially the same the duration of the second plurality ofintervals. Also, in some examples, the second stop is shorter than thethird stop.

Also disclosed herein is an example apparatus that includes a firstcarousel having a first inner circumference and a first outercircumference. The example apparatus also includes a second carouselhaving a second inner circumference and a second outer circumference. Inthis example, the second inner circumference is disposed outside of thefirst outer circumference. The example apparatus also includes a firstpipetting mechanism to rotate along a first path of travel to access thefirst carousel in a first position and the second carousel in a secondposition.

In some examples, the first carousel and the second carousel areindependently rotatable. In some examples, the example apparatusincludes a first motor to rotate the first carousel and a second motorto rotate the second carousel. In some examples, the first carousel isto rotate in first locksteps, and the second carousel is rotate in asecond locksteps. Also, in some examples, a first duration of the firstlocksteps is different than a second duration of the second locksteps.

In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism is to access a sampledisposed outside of the second outer circumference. Also, in someexamples, the first pipetting mechanism is disposed outside of thesecond outer circumference.

In some examples, the example apparatus includes a second pipettingmechanism that is to rotate along a second path of travel to access thefirst carousel in a third position and the second carousel in a fourthposition. In some example, the second pipetting mechanism is disposedoutside of the second outer circumference. Also, in some examples, thesecond pipetting mechanism is to access a third carousel. In addition,in some examples, the third carousel is distanced vertically from thefirst carousel.

In some examples, the example apparatus includes a second pipettingmechanism that is to rotate along a second path of travel to access thefirst carousel in a third position and a third carousel in a fourthposition. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is disposedinside of the first inner circumference. Also, in such examples, thethird carousel may be is distanced vertically (e.g., above or below) thefirst carousel.

Turning now to the figures, an example processing track 100 is shown inFIG. 1 as having a first carousel 102 (e.g., an annular plate, a track,a disc, a revolving belt, etc.) and a second carousel 104 and a housing106. The example processing track 100 may be used, for example, toconduct immunoassays, clinical chemistry assays and/or other types ofdiagnostic tests. The example processing track 100 may be incorporatedin an analyzer having automated reagent and/or sample access such, asfor example, the analyzer 200 (FIG. 2) disclosed in detail below. Insome examples, the first carousel 102 is the main processing carouselfor conducting diagnostic tests, and the second carousel 104 is apretreatment path or track for preparing and treating liquids (e.g.,samples) to be used in the diagnostic tests on the first carousel 102.In some examples, the second carousel 104 enables one or more reactionsto incubate or react prior to performing the diagnostic testing andanalyzing the sample in the main processing path of the first carousel102. However, in other examples, these carousels may be switched and thefirst carousel 102 may be used for treating liquids for diagnostictesting on the second carousel 104.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first and second carousels 102, 104are rotatable within the housing 106, and the first and second carousels102, 104 are concentric and coplanar with each other within the housing106. In the example shown, the first carousel 102 includes a firstplurality of slots 108 a-n and the second carousel 104 includes a secondplurality of slots 110 a-n. The slots 108 a-n, 110 a-n of the respectivefirst and second carousels 102, 104 are arranged in an annularorientation around the respective first and second carousels 102, 104.In the example shown, the first carousel 102 has 46 slots 108 a-n, andthe second carousel 104 has 61 slots 110 a-n. However, in otherexamples, the first and second carousels 102, 104 may have more or fewerslots.

The first plurality of slots 108 a-n and the second plurality of slots110 a-n are to hold vessels 112 a-n, which may be, for example reactionvessels. In the example shown, the vessels 112 a-n are disposablecuvettes (e.g., plastic cuvettes) that are discarded after one or moretests. However, in other examples, the vessels 112 a-n are reusablecuvettes (e.g., washable glass cuvettes). In such examples, after a testhas been completed in one of the vessels 112 a-n, the vessel 112 a-n iscleaned (e.g., sterilized), and the vessel 112 a-n may be used foranother test. As shown in FIG. 1, one or more vessels 112 a-n may beplaced in the first plurality of slots 108 a-n and/or the secondplurality of slots 110 a-n and rotated around the processing track 100.In the example shown, the first plurality of slots 108 a-n are elongatedsuch that each of the slots 108 a-n may retain more than one reactionvessel 112 a-n (e.g., two or three reaction vessels 112 a-n).

In some examples, the example reaction vessels 112 a-n include rims 113a-n (e.g., flanges, ears) (shown in FIG. 4B) that extend outward fromthe top of the vessel body and are used to support the reaction vessels112 a-n on the first and second carousels 102, 104 such that the bodiesof the vessels extend through the slots 108 a-n, 110 a-n and hangdownward beneath the first and second carousels 102, 104. In someexamples, the rims 113 a-n are unitary (e.g., a single mold) with thereaction vessels 112 a-n. In other examples, the rims 113 a-n may beseparate components coupled to the reaction vessels 112 a-n.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a first motor 114 (e.g., an electricmotor, a stepper motor, a servo motor, etc.) drives the first carousel102 and a second motor 116 drives the second carousel 104. In theexample shown, the first motor 114 has a first gear 118 to engage aplurality of teeth on the inside of the first carousel 102, and thesecond motor 116 has a second gear 120 to engage a plurality of teeth onthe outside of the second carousel 104. The first and second motors 114,116 operate to rotate the first and second carousels 102, 104,respectively, independent of each other, in either direction andaccording to a programming and scheduling protocol of the analyzer. Inother examples, other types of motors and/or drive mechanisms may beused to rotate to the first and second carousels 102, 104. In someexamples, the first and second motors 114, 116 are coupled (e.g.,mounted) to the housing 106 and positioned to engage the respectivecarousels 102, 104. In other examples, the first and second motors 114,116 may be coupled to a lid (e.g., a cover 424 shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E)on the processing track 100 or other surfaces of the analyzer upon whichthe processing track 100 is installed.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the processing track 100 includes afirst diverter 122, a second diverter 124, a third diverter 126 and afourth diverter 128. The first, second and third diverters 122-126operate to move vessels 112 a-n on the first carousel 102 to differentpositions along a track system that is disposed within the housing 106and beneath the first carousel 102, disclosed in detail below. Thefourth diverter 128 (e.g., an active unloader) unloads vessels 112 a-nfrom the second carousel 104, also described in further detail below. Inthe example shown, the diverters 122-128 are depicted on top of thecarousels 102, 104. However, the diverters 122-128 are coupled to astationary surface (e.g., a lid on the processing track 100 of theanalyzer) above the carousels 102, 104 are not rotatable on thecarousels 102, 104 themselves.

In the example shown, the processing track 100 also includes a reader130 (e.g., an analyzer) disposed adjacent the first and second carousels102, 104. In the illustrated example, the reader 130 is coupled to aninside bore 132 of the housing 106. The reader 130 analyzes thereactions within the vessels 112 a-n as the vessels 112 a-n pass infront of the reader 130. The processing track 100 also includes a firstwash station 134 and a second wash station 136 coupled to the bore 132of the housing 106. The first and second wash stations 134, 136 may beused, for example, to conduct magnetic microparticle processing,described in further detail below. In the example shown, a plurality ofmixers or in-track vortexers (ITV) 138 a-f are disposed around theprocessing track 100 to mix the contents of the vessels 112 a-n atdifferent locations and times during processing.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the example processing track 100incorporated into an analyzer 200 including a plurality of pipettingmechanisms and other analysis components. FIG. 3 also illustrates a topplan view of the example processing track 100, but with the pipettingmechanisms and other analysis components removed for clarity. In theexamples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first carousel 102 has a firstdiameter 202 and the second carousel 104 has a second diameter 204. Asshown, the second diameter 204 is greater than the first diameter 202,and the second carousel 104 is concentric (e.g., having the same centeraxis or coaxial) with and coplanar to the first carousel 102.

In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 2, the analyzer 200 includes afirst pipetting mechanism 206. In some examples, the first pipettingmechanism 206 is coupled (e.g., mounted, fastened) to a base 208 of theanalyzer 200. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism 206 isdisposed outside of the first diameter 202 and outside of the seconddiameter 204 (e.g., at a distance from the center of the first carousel102 and the center of the second carousel 104 that is greater than eachof the radii of the first carousel 102 and the second carousel 104). Thefirst pipetting mechanism 206 has multiple degrees of freedom. In theexample shown, the first pipetting mechanism 206 has a first probe arm210 that moves a first pipette 212 along a first path of travel 214(e.g., a first horizontal arc, a first range of access) toaspirate/dispense liquid from containers or vessels along the first pathof travel 214. The first path of travel 214 may be circular,semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The first pipettingmechanism 206 is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the verticaldirection).

In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism 206 may be used, forexample, to dispense a sample (e.g., a test sample or a specimen) intoone or more of the vessels 112 a-n on the first carousel 102 and/or thesecond carousel 104. In some examples, a sample is aspirated from samplecontainers 216 a-n (which may be in carriers 218 a, 218 b) along thefirst path of travel 214 of the first pipetting mechanism 206. The firstprobe arm 210 moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) along the first path oftravel 214 to align the first pipette 212 of the first pipettingmechanism 206 above the sample tubes 216 a-n. The first pipettingmechanism 206 moves the first pipette 212 downward into one of thesample containers 216 a-n and aspirates an amount of sample.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first pipetting mechanism 206has access to vessels disposed within the slots 108 a-n, 110 a-n of thefirst and second carousels 102, 104 along the first path of travel 214.Specifically, the first pipetting mechanism 206 can access a vessel onthe second carousel 104 at point A (e.g., a pretreat sample startposition), a vessel on the first carousel 102 at point B, and anothervessel on the second carousel 104 at point C. In the example shown, thefirst pipetting mechanism 206 is capable of aspirating from and/ordispensing to any location along the first path of travel 214. In theexample shown, a wash zone 220 is also disposed along the first path oftravel 214. The first pipetting mechanism 206 may access the wash zone220 to clean the first pipette 212 such as, for example, betweenaspirations of different samples.

In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism 206 aspirates a sample(e.g., from sample container 216 a or 216 b) and dispenses the sampleinto a vessel on the second carousel 104 at point A for pretreatment andalso dispenses sample into another vessel on the first carousel 102 atpoint B for processing on the first carousel 102 (e.g., the mainprocessing path or track). In some examples, a sample is dispensed intoa vessel on the second carousel 104 at point A and the second carousel104 rotates in a counterclockwise direction to allow the sample and oneor more reagents (disclosed in detail below) to react (e.g., incubate).The first pipetting mechanism 206 may then aspirate the pretreatedsample from the vessel on the second carousel 104 at point C, after thesample has been pretreated (e.g., incubated). The first pipettingmechanism 206 may then dispense the pretreated sample into a vessel onthe first carousel 102 at point B for processing on the first carousel102.

In the example shown, the analyzer 200 includes a second pipettingmechanism 222. The second pipetting mechanism 222 may be coupled to, forexample, the base 208 of the analyzer 200. The second pipettingmechanism 222 has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, thesecond pipetting mechanism 222 has a second probe arm 224 that moves asecond pipette 226 along a second path of travel 228 (e.g., a secondhorizontal arc, a second range of access) to aspirate/dispense liquidfrom locations along the second path of travel 228. The second path oftravel 228 may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combinationthereof. The second pipetting mechanism 222 is also movable in the Zdirection (e.g., the vertical direction).

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the second pipetting mechanism 222 isused to aspirate a liquid (e.g., a reagent, a first reagent, a liquidcontaining magnetic particles) and dispense the liquid into one or morevessels on the first and second carousels 102, 104. In some examples,the second pipetting mechanism 222 is a first reagent pipette and isutilized to add a first reagent (e.g., a reagent containing magneticmicroparticles) to vessels on the first and second carousels 102, 104.In some examples, reagent containers are disposed on a third carousel230 (shown in shadow lines) partially disposed within the second path oftravel 228. In some examples, the third carousel 230, having a pluralityof reagent containers, is located below the processing track 100 (asshown in FIG. 2). In some examples, reagent containers are brought to aposition along the second path of travel 228 such that the secondpipetting mechanism 222 can move the second pipette 226 to a locationabove a reagent container and aspirate reagent from the container. Forexample, the second pipetting mechanism 222 may access a reagentcontainer on the third carousel 230 at any of the access ports 231 a,231 b, 231 c located on the second path of travel 228. In some examples,the third carousel 230 includes a plurality of carriers each having oneor more containers (e.g., reagent containers). In some examples, whenthe carriers are arranged on the third carousel 230, multiple annulararrays of containers are formed (e.g., an inner annular array ofcontainers, a middle annular array of containers, an outer annular arrayof containers, etc.). In some examples, one or more containers in theouter annular array of containers include reagents (e.g., includingmicroparticles) for diagnostic testing on the main processing track(e.g., the first carousel 102). In other examples, one or morecontainers in the outer annular array of containers hold reagents foruse with pretreatment processing (e.g., on the second carousel 104).

After aspirating a liquid (e.g., a reagent), the second pipettingmechanism 222 rotates to dispense the liquid into vessels on the secondcarousel 104 at point D (e.g., a pretreat reagent start position) and/orother vessels on the first carousel 102 at point E. In some examples,the second pipetting mechanism 222 dispenses reagent into a vessel onthe first or second carousel 102, 104 that has previously been loadedwith a sample. In some examples, the sample and the reagent react as thesecond carousel 104 rotates and, in some examples, the mixture or aportion of the mixture is aspirated (e.g., via the first pipettingmechanism 206 at point C) from the vessel on the second carousel 104 anddispensed into another vessel on the first carousel 102 for processing.

In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism 222 aspirates thecontents of a vessel on the second carousel 104 at point D and dispensesthe contents into another vessel on the first carousel 102 at point E(e.g., 2-tube dilution processing). In some examples, the secondpipetting mechanism 222 aspirates an amount of a first liquid from acontainer outside of the processing track 100 (e.g., a first reagent),aspirates an amount of a second liquid (e.g., a sample, a dilutedsample, a sample and reagent mixture, etc.) from a vessel on the secondcarousel 104 at point D, and then dispenses both the first and secondliquid into a vessel on the first carousel 102 at point E.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, a second wash zone 232 is disposed alongthe second path of travel 228. The second pipetting mechanism 222 mayaccess the wash zone 232 to clean the second pipette 226 such as, forexample, between aspirations of different reagents.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the analyzer 200 includes a thirdpipetting mechanism 234. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism234 is coupled to the base 208 of the analyzer 200. In the exampleshown, the third pipetting mechanism 234 is disposed within the bore 132of the processing track 100 and is also disposed within the first andsecond diameters 202, 204. In the example shown, the third pipettingmechanism 234 is offset from an axis of rotation of the first and secondcarousels 102, 104. However, in other examples the third pipettingmechanism is aligned with the axis of rotation. The third pipettingmechanism 234 has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, thethird pipetting mechanism 234 has a third probe arm 236 that moves athird pipette 238 along a third path of travel 240 (e.g., a horizontalarc, a range of access) to aspirate/dispense liquid from locations alongthe third path of travel 240. The third path of travel 240 may becircular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The thirdpipetting mechanism 234 is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., thevertical direction).

In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism 234 is positioned toaspirate/dispense from locations (e.g., containers, vessels) disposedalong the third path of travel 240. In some examples, the thirdpipetting mechanism 234 is to aspirate a liquid (e.g., a second reagent)from a container disposed inside the first and second diameters 202, 204and to dispense the liquid into vessels on the first carousel 102. Insome examples, the third pipetting mechanism 234 accesses a container onthe third carousel 230. For example, the third pipetting mechanism 234may access a reagent container on the third carousel 230 at any of theaccess ports 241 a, 241 b, 241 c located on the third path of travel240. In some examples, the third carousel 230 includes an inner annulararray of containers, such that the third pipetting mechanism 234 canaspirate from these containers. Thus, in some examples, the thirdpipetting mechanism 234 is a second reagent pipetter and aspirates asecond reagent from a container disposed on an inner annular section ofthe third carousel 230. In the example shown, the third pipettingmechanism 234 can dispense liquid into a vessel on the first carousel102 at point F. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism 234supplies a second reagent to the vessels rotating on the first carousel102 such as, for example, after the vessels have already been suppliedwith a sample and a first reagent.

In the example shown, a third wash zone 242 is disposed along the thirdpath of travel 240. The third pipetting mechanism 234 may access to thewash zone 242 to clean the third pipette 238 such as, for example,between aspirations of different reagents.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reader 130 is disposed adjacent to the bore 132of the housing 106. In the illustrated examples, the reader 130 readsthe contents of the vessels as the vessels pass the reader 130. FIG. 2also illustrates the first and second wash stations 134, 136 and theITVs 138 a-f, discussed above.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the processing track 100 also includes thefirst, second, third and fourth diverters 122-128. The first, second andthird diverters 122-126 operate to move vessels on the first carousel102 from one section of a track system 244 to another section of thetrack system 244 as the vessels rotate on the first carousel 102. Insome examples, the diverters 122-128 include solenoids and/or steppermotors. Also, in some examples, the diverters 122-128 include a claw oraligned engagement arms to engage the rim 113 a-n of a reaction vessel112 a-n (e.g., below the diverter 122-128) and align the reaction vessel112 a-n in the direction of the desired and/or appropriate track,disclosed in further detail below.

A schematic diagram of a top plan view of the track system 244 isillustrated in FIG. 4A. The track system 244 includes a plurality oftrack sections that are used to align the reaction vessels 112 a-n tomove along a desired path as the first carousel 102 rotates. In someexamples, the track system 244 is disposed above the first carousel 102.In some examples, the track system 244 may be grooved or otherwiseformed into a plate or disc that is disposed over the first carousel102. In other examples, as detailed below, the track system 244 may begrooved or otherwise formed into the bottom of a lid or cover thatcovers the processing track 100. In such examples, when reaction vessels112 a-n are disposed within the slots 108 a-n of the first carousel 102,the rims 113 a-n of the reaction vessels 112 a-n engage the track system244 such that as the first carousel 102 rotates with the reactionvessels 112 a-n in the slots 108 a-n, the reaction vessels 112 a-n move(e.g., slide) radially inward and/or outward in their respective slots108 a-n depending the location of the track system 244 and action of thediverters 122-128.

In some examples, the processing track 100 also includes a basecomprised of a material such as, for example, aluminum. In some examplesthe base is disposed below the first carousel 102 within the housing106. The base may include grooves that match the track system 244detailed below, such that the bodies of the reaction vessels 112 a-nhang within the grooves as the reaction vessels 112 a-n rotate. In someexamples, the base is thermally conductive and includes heaters to heatthe base and, thus, the reaction vessels disposed therein.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the track system 244 includes a firsttrack 400 and a second track 402. As shown, the first track 400 forms acontinuous circle, and the second track 402 forms a spiral thatdecreases in diameter in the counterclockwise direction. The relativelocations of the first, second, and third diverters 122, 124, 126,points B, E and F, and the first and second wash zones 134, 136 areshown in shadow lines over the track system 244.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the area in which the first diverter122 is disposed includes a junction (e.g., an intersection) where avessel engaged with the first track 400 can be moved radially inwardand, thus, onto the second track 402. In some examples, the firstdiverter 122 is a clean vessel diverter. For example, a clean vessel mayloaded in the outermost area of one of the slots 108 a-n on the firstcarousel 102 with the bottom of the vessel engaged with the first track400. In some examples, vessels are loaded onto the first and secondcarousels 102, 104 via a loading mechanism 300 shown in FIG. 3. The areain which the loading mechanism 300 is disposed is shown in dashed linesover the first track 400. As the first carousel 102 rotates in thecounterclockwise direction, the vessel stays in the outermost radialarea of its slot 108 a-n and reaches the area where the first diverter122 is disposed. In some examples, if the vessel has not been filledwith a sample and/or reagent and is considered clean, the first diverter122 keeps the vessel on the first track 400. Thus, the vessel willcontinue along the first track 400 and remain in the outermost radialarea of its respective slot 108 a-n as the first carousel 102 rotates.

In other examples, a first liquid (e.g., a sample) may be added to thevessel at point B via the first pipetting mechanism 206 and/or a secondliquid (e.g., a first reagent) may be added to the vessel at point E viathe second pipetting mechanism 222 as the first carousel 102 rotates thevessel clockwise along the first track 400. In such an example, if thecontents of the vessel are ready for further processing (e.g., a sampleand a reagent have been added to the vessel), the first diverter 122 candivert the vessel from the first track 400 onto the second track 402. Insuch an example, as the first carousel 102 rotates, the vessel movesradially inward in its respective slot 108 a-n as the second track 402decreases in diameter around the counterclockwise direction. In theexample shown, the second track 402 completes two rotations between thearea of the first diverter 122 and an unload area 404 (e.g., a passiveunloader) where the vessel may be removed from the first carousel 102.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the area of the reader 130 (shown inFIGS. 1-3) is shown in dashed lines over on the track system 244. Thereader 130 is disposed in a location such that the reader 130 can readvessels that are on the second track 402 passing by the reader 130 suchas, for example, the vessels positioned along the innermost area of thecarousel on the section of the track 402 leading to the unload area 404.Therefore, in the example shown, the reader 130 analyzes the contents ofa vessel before the vessel is unloaded from the first carousel 102 atthe unload area 404.

In the illustrated example, a vessel moving from the first track 400onto the second track 402 slides radially inwards in its respective slot108 a-n on the first carousel 102, which leaves the outer position ofthe slot 108 a-n vacant. Therefore, in some examples, another vessel maybe loaded into the outer position of the same slot 108 a-n and beengaged with the first track 400.

In the example shown, the point F is disposed on the second track 402.In some examples, once a vessel has been engaged with the second track402, another liquid (e.g., a second reagent) may be added to the vesselat point F via the third pipetting mechanism 234.

In an example processing operation, a sample may be added to a vessel onthe first track 400 at point B. As the carousel rotates, the vesselreaches point E and, if desired, a reagent and/or other liquids may beadded to the vessel. The first diverter 122 may divert the vessel ontothe second track 402, and the vessel continues around the second track402. As the first carousel 102 rotates, the vessel reaches point F,where a second reagent may be added to the vessel. The vessel continuesto travel along the second track 402 and, at the location of the reader130, the contents of the reaction vessel are read.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the area where the second diverter 124is disposed includes another junction (e.g., an intersection, a spur, aside track, a subtrack) that connects an outer section (e.g., an earliersection) of the second track 402 with an inner section (e.g., a latersection) of the second track 402. As shown, the second track 402 forms aspiral that makes about two rotations. However, a vessel traveling onthe second track 402 may be diverted by the second diverter 124 andmoved onto another section of the second track 402 about one rotationahead. Thus, the second diverter 124 is a stat diverter that acceleratesthe progress of a vessel along the second track 402. For example,certain sample(s) and reagents react faster than others, and less timeis needed to conduct a complete test. In these examples, the reaction isready for reading before two rotations on the second track 402.Therefore, instead of making two rotations on the second track 402before reaching the reader 130, the second diverter 124 may divert avessel inward to bypass a portion of the second track 402 (e.g., skipone rotation of the second track 402) and, thus, reduce time before thereading the reaction. However, other tests require a longer time toreact and can be kept on the main path of the second track 402 to followa longer path before the reading.

As mentioned above, the example processing track 100 also includes twowash zones 134, 136. As shown in the example in FIG. 4A, the area inwhich the third diverter 126 is disposed includes a connection point(e.g., a spur, a side track, a subtrack) that connects the second track402 to a wash zone side track 406. The wash zone side track 406 leads tothe area of the first wash zone 134. Some example tests require anadditional wash to remove unwanted conjugate and other materials fromreaction mixture. Therefore, if desired, a vessel moving along thesecond track 402 may be diverted by the third diverter 126 onto the washzone side track 406. The wash zone side track 406 reconnects to thesecond track 402 before the area of point F, where another liquid (e.g.,a second reagent) may be added to a vessel. As shown, the second washzone 136 is disposed over a section of the second track 402 prior to thereader 130. Thus, a vessel may go through two wash zones 134, 136 beforea reading.

In some examples, the first and second carousels 102, 104 rotate inintervals or locksteps during a diagnostic test. Each interval orlockstep has an advancement step during which the carousel moves (e.g.,indexes) and a stop step during which the carousel is idle. During theidle stop step, a plurality of functions may occur to the vessels on thefirst and second carousels 102, 104 such as, for example, dispensingsample, dispensing reagent, washing the contents of a reaction vessels,reading the contents of a reaction vessel, mixing the contents of areaction vessel, etc. Depending on the type of diagnostic testperformed, the carousels 102, 104 may have different lockstep times.

In some examples, the first carousel 102 has a lockstep time (thecombination of an advancement step and a stop step) of about 18 seconds(i.e., the first carousel 102 rotates or indexes incrementally to adifferent position about every 18 seconds). During the advancement stepof the lockstep, the first carousel 102 moves (e.g., translates,indexes, etc.) one position in the counterclockwise direction (e.g., oneposition is the distance between the center of one slot to the center ofthe next slot). In other examples, the second carousel 104 may rotatemore or less depending on the scheduling protocols designed for thespecific analyzer and/or for a particular diagnostic testing protocol.In some examples, the advancement step of the first carousel 102 maytake place during about less than one second (e.g., 400 milliseconds(ms)) of the 18 second lockstep, and the first carousel 102 may remainidle (e.g., stationary) for about 17 seconds during the stop step of thelockstep. During these 17 seconds, the first, second and third pipettingmechanisms 206, 222, 234 aspirate and/or dispense liquids (e.g.,simultaneously or in sequence), including any microparticles containedtherein, and other functional modules (e.g., the reader 130, the firstand second wash zones 134, 136, the ITVs 138 a-e, etc.) operate aroundthe carousels 102, 104. In some examples, some of the functional modulesalso operate during the advancement step of a lockstep. In otherexamples, the advancement and stop times may be different.

In an example operation, a vessel 112 a is loaded into the slot 108 a ofthe first carousel 102 and is positioned in the outer section of theslot 108 a to engage first track 400 of the track system 244 (e.g., viathe loading mechanism 300). The first carousel 102 moves through aplurality of locksteps, incrementally moving (e.g., indexing) the vessel112 a one position at a time in the counterclockwise direction. Thevessel 112 a reaches point B and, during this lockstep, the firstpipetting mechanism 206 aspirates a liquid (e.g., a sample) anddispenses the liquid into the vessel 112 a. During the next lockstep,the first carousel 102 rotates, and the vessel 112 a is indexed oneposition counterclockwise to point E and, during this lockstep thesecond pipetting mechanism 222 aspirates a second liquid (e.g., a firstreagent) and dispenses the liquid into the vessel 112 a. The firstcarousel 102 continues indexing one position every lockstep. When thevessel 112 a reaches the first diverter 122, the vessel 112 a isdirected radially inward onto the second track 402 as described above.The vessel 112 a continues around the first carousel 102 on the secondtrack 402 and moves radially inward within the slot 108 a. If desired,the second and third diverters 124, 126 may divert the vessel 112 a todifferent sections of the second track 402, as detailed above. When thevessel 112 a reaches point F, another liquid (e.g., a second reagent) isaspirated, via the third pipetting mechanism 234 and dispensed into thevessel 112 a. The vessel 112 a continues to rotate incrementally on thefirst carousel 102 and passes the reader 130, where a reading is taken.When the test is complete, the vessel 112 a is unloaded at the unloadingarea 404.

In some examples, the processing track 100 is used for immunoassays andone or more of the reagents added to the vessel may include paramagneticmicroparticles. In such examples, the first and/or second wash zone 134,136, may be used for magnetic microparticle processing, where aplurality of wash steps and magnetic processing steps are used toseparate parts of the test sample desired for reading.

As noted above, in some examples, the second carousel 104 also has atotal lockstep time of about 18 seconds. In some examples, the carousel104 has a two-stage lockstep, and each lockstep of the second carousel104 includes a major lockstep and minor lockstep. Each of the majorlockstep and the minor lockstep includes an advancement step and a stopstep. In some examples, the major lockstep is about 16 seconds and theminor lockstep is about 2 seconds. In other examples, the timing may bechanged to suit the type of testing performed. The two-stage lockstepenables a reaction vessel on the second carousel 104 to be filled with asample and a reagent, which occur at different positions (e.g., oneposition apart), during one lockstep of the first carousel 102 and,thus, prepared for pretreatment incubation. In some examples, the minorlockstep occurs when a reaction vessel receives a sample (e.g., at pointA) and the major lockstep occurs when the reaction vessel receives areagent (e.g., point D). During the major lockstep, reagent may bedispensed in the reaction vessel, the contents of the reaction vesselmay be diluted and/or the contents or portions of the content of thereaction vessel may be aspirated and transferred to a reaction vessel onthe main processing carousel. Thus, having a two-stage lockstep sequenceallows a reaction vessel on the pretreatment carousel to be prepared,which occurs at two positions, and allows the reaction vessel sufficienttime for reagent dispensing and aspiration which, in some examples,involves multiple processing steps.

As an example implementation of a two-stage lockstep, a vessel 112 a isdeposited into one of the slots 110 a-n on the second carousel 104 withthe loading mechanism 300 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second carousel104 goes through multiple two-stage locksteps of alternating major andminor locksteps. In some examples, the vessel 112 a is located at oneposition clockwise from point A (FIG. 2) during a major lockstep. Duringthe next minor lockstep, the second carousel 104 rotates one position inthe counterclockwise direction such that the vessel 112 a is now locatedat point A and held stationary. During this time (e.g., two seconds),the first pipetting mechanism 206 may aspirate a liquid (e.g., a sample)and dispense the liquid into the vessel 112 a. Then, during the nextmajor lockstep, the second carousel 104 again rotates one position inthe counterclockwise direction such that the vessel 112 a is now atpoint D and held stationary. During this time (e.g., sixteen seconds),the second pipetting mechanism 222 aspirates another liquid (e.g., afirst reagent) and dispenses the liquid into the vessel 112 a. Then,during a second minor lockstep, the second carousel 104 rotates in thecounterclockwise direction and again moves the vessel 112 a one moreposition. A second major lockstep follows. This alternating sequence ofminor and major locksteps may continue, and the vessel 112 a is rotatedaround the second carousel 104.

In some examples, when the vessel 112 a reaches point C, the contents ofthe vessel 112 a may be aspirated, via the first pipetting mechanism206, and dispensed into another vessel on the first carousel 102 atpoint B. Such an example may be used for the purposes of incubating asample prior to placing sample on the first carousel 102 for processing.By mixing a sample and reagent in the vessel on the second carousel 104,the reaction has time to incubate prior to placement in a vessel on thefirst carousel 102 and, thus, the overall processing time of the vesselson the first carousel 102 is decreased. After the contents or a portionof the contents of the reaction vessel are aspirated at point C, thesecond carousel 104 continues through more locksteps and the empty,near-empty or otherwise used vessel 112 a is rotated in thecounterclockwise direction. However, during this second rotation of thevessel 112 a, the vessel 112 a encounters point A during a majorlockstep and point D during a minor lockstep. During this time, nofunctions are performed on the vessel 112 a. The vessel 112 a continuesto rotate on the second carousel 104 and reaches the fourth diverter 128(e.g., an active unloader) and is unloaded from its slot 110 a-n on thesecond carousel 104. When the slot 110 a-n reaches the loading mechanism300, another clean vessel may be loaded in the slot 110 a-n. Thus, inthis example, the processing cycle of a given vessel on the secondcarousel 104 is about two full rotations. Therefore, in some examples,every other vessel on the second carousel 104 is going through the samesequencing as the vessel two slots in front or behind of that slot.

As another example (e.g., a two-tube dilution processing sequence), avessel 112 a is deposited into one of the slots 110 a-n on the secondcarousel 104 with the loading mechanism 300 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thesecond carousel 104 goes through multiple two-stage locksteps ofalternating major and minor locksteps. When the vessel 112 a reachespoint A, during a minor lockstep, a sample may be dispensed into thevessel 112 a. During the next major lockstep, the vessel 112 a isrotated to point D and a dilution reagent is added to the vessel 112 avia the second pipetting mechanism 222. The dilution reagent dilutes thesample in the reaction vessel. In some examples, the second pipettingmechanism 222, during this same lockstep, aspirates another reagent froman outside container, aspirates some of the diluted sample/reagentmixture from the reaction vessel at point D, and the dispense mixture ofthe second reagent and the diluted sample/reagent mixture into areaction vessel on the first carousel 102 at point E for processing.

The second carousel 104 continues to rotate the vessel 112 a through aplurality of major and minor locksteps. In some examples, the vessel 112a continues to rotate on the second carousel 104 and reaches the fourthdiverter 128 (e.g., an active unloader) and is unloaded from its slot110 a-n on the second carousel 104. When the slot 110 a-n reaches theloading mechanism 300, another clean vessel may be loaded in the slot110 a-n. Thus, in this example, the processing cycle of a given vesselon the second carousel 104 is about one rotation. In other examples, theempty reaction vessel may be rotated around the second carousel 104another rotation until the vessel reaches the fourth diverter 128.

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate examples of the first diverter 122 and thefourth diverter 128. In some examples, the second and third diverters124, 126 are similar to the first diverter 122 and, thus, will includesimilar components. In the example shown, the first and fourth diverters122, 128 include respective motors 408, 410 and respective mountingbrackets 412, 414. In some examples, the motors 408, 410 are solenoids,stepper motors or servo motors. The mounting brackets 412, 414 may beused to mount the first and fourth diverters 122, 128 to, for example,the housing 106 (FIG. 1), a cover 424 (FIGS. 4D and 4E detailed below),the analyzer 200 (FIG. 2) and/or another surface of an example analyzer.

In the example shown, the first diverter 122 includes a first paddle 416(e.g., a claw and/or aligned engagement arms) with a first channel 418.In the illustrated example, a reaction vessel 112 a is engaged in thefirst paddle 416. A top rim 113 a of the reaction vessel 112 a is toslide through the first channel 418 of the first paddle 416. Forexample, when the reaction vessel passes 112 a underneath the firstdiverter 122, the top rim 113 a slides into the first channel 418 of thefirst paddle 416. If the first diverter 122 is to divert the directionof the reaction vessel 112 a, the first paddle 416 is rotated (e.g.,clockwise, counterclockwise) via the first motor 408 to align the firstchannel 418 and the reaction vessel 112 a in a different direction todirect the reaction vessel 112 a onto a chosen track. In some examples,the first carousel 102 indexes in a plurality of locksteps, eachlockstep having an advancement step and a stop step. In some examples,the reaction vessel 112 a is indexed during the advancement step intothe position shown in FIG. 4B where the top rim 113 a of the reactionvessel 112 a is engaged with the first paddle 416. During the stop step,or idle period, the first motor 408 rotates the first paddle 416 toalign the top rim 113 a of the reaction vessel 112 a in a desireddirection with an appropriate track. During the next advancement step,the reaction vessel 112 a is indexed forward one position and, thus, thetop rim 113 a of the reaction vessel 112 a is moved out of the firstchannel 418 of the first paddle 416 and along the desired track. In someexamples, the first diverter 122 rotates the first paddle 416 betweenabout 30° to about 35°.

In the example shown, the fourth diverter 128 includes a fourth paddle420 (e.g., a claw and/or aligned engagement arms) with a fourth channel422. In the illustrated example, a reaction vessel 112 d is engaged inthe fourth paddle 420. A top rim 113 d of the reaction vessel 112 d isto slide through the fourth channel 422 of the fourth paddle 420. Forexample, when the reaction vessel 112 d passes underneath the fourthdiverter 128, the top rim 113 d slides into the fourth channel 422 ofthe fourth paddle 420. If the fourth diverter 128 is to unload or divertthe direction of the reaction vessel 112 d, the fourth paddle 420 isrotated via the fourth motor 410. When rotated, the fourth channel 422of the fourth paddle 422 is aligned in a different direction to directthe reaction vessel 112 d onto another track or off the second carousel104. In some examples, the second carousel 104 indexes in a plurality oflocksteps, each lockstep having an advancement step and a stop step. Insome examples, the reaction vessel 112 d is indexed during theadvancement step into the position shown in FIG. 4B. During the stopstep, or idle period, the fourth diverter 128 rotates the fourth paddle420, which rotates the reaction vessel 112 d. In some examples, thereaction vessel 112 d is supported in its respective slot 110 a-n by thetop rim 113 d and the fourth diverter 128 rotates the reaction vessel112 d until the rim 113 d of the reaction vessel 112 d is not supportedby the second carousel 104 and falls through the slot 110 a-n (e.g.,into a waste module). In some examples, the fourth diverter 128 rotatesthe fourth paddle 420 about 90°.

FIGS. 4D and 4E illustrate an example cover 424 (e.g., a lid, a cap)that may be used to cover the first and second carousel 102, 104 of theexample processing track 100. As shown, the track system 244 is disposedon the bottom on the bottom of the cover 424. In some examples, thetrack system 244 is grooved or otherwise formed into the bottom of thelid 424. In the example shown, the first, second, third and fourthdiverters 122, 124, 126, 128 are disposed on top of the cover 424 andtheir respective paddles extend through the cover 424 and into the tracksystem 244 disclosed above.

In the example shown, the first and second carousels 102, 104 have beenremoved for clarity to view the bottom of the cover 424 and the tracksystem 244. In some examples, the top rims 113 a-n of the respectivevessels 112 a-n rest on the carousels 102, 104 when the reaction vessels112 a-n are disposed within the slots 108 a-n, 110 a-n of the respectivecarousels. When placed in the first plurality of slots 108 a-n, the tops113 a-n of the respective reaction vessels 112 a-n are disposed withinthe groove of the track system 244 and, thus, travel along therespective paths of the track system 244. As the first carousel 102indexes, the first, second, third diverters 122, 124, 126 operate todirect the reaction vessels 112 a-n, as disclosed above.

As shown in FIG. 4E, the first paddle 416 of the first diverter 122operates to direct reaction vessel 112 a-n between the first track 400and the second track 402. A second paddle 426 is coupled to the seconddiverter 124 and diverts reaction vessels 112 a-n from one area (e.g.,section, portion, location) on the second track 402 to another area onthe second track 402. Also shown, a third paddle 428 coupled to thethird diverter 126 operates to divert the reaction vessels 112 a-n fromthe second track 402 on to the wash zone side track 406. In the exampleshown, a third track 430 is disposed on the bottom of the cover 424 andsimilarly directs the reactions vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel104. The fourth paddle 420 of the fourth diverter 128 operates to removereaction vessels 112 a-n from the second carousel 104, as detailedabove.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate different views of the processing track100 and the pipetting mechanisms 206, 222, 234 shown in FIGS. 1-4.Specifically, FIG. 5A is a perspective view, FIG. 5B illustrates a topplan view, and FIG. 5C illustrates a front side view. The variouscomponents have been labeled in accordance with the number detailedabove.

As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the processing track 100 includes thecover 424 to contain the first and second carousels 102, 104 (FIGS.1-3). In some examples, the first, second, third and fourth diverters122-128 are coupled to the lid 500 and interact with the vesselsrotating below the cover 424 on the first and second carousels 102, 104.As shown in FIG. 5B, a plurality of apertures 502 a-f (e.g., openings,holes, gaps, etc.) are formed in the cover 424 such that the pipettes212, 226, 238 of the pipetting mechanism 206, 222, 234 may access thevessels on the first and second carousels 102, 104 through the cover424. Specifically, the apertures 502 a, 502 b and 502 c are disposedalong the first path of travel 214 of the first pipetting mechanism 206and align with points A, B and C as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Apertures 502 dand 502 e are disposed along the second path of travel 228 of the secondpipetting mechanism 222 and align with points D and E as shown in FIGS.1-4. In addition, aperture 502 f is disposed along the third path oftravel 240 of the third pipetting mechanism 234 and is aligned withpoint F as shown in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example processing system 600 for usewith an automated diagnostic analyzer such as, for example, the analyzer200 including the example processing track 100 disclosed above. Theexample processing system 600 includes a station/instrument controller602, which controls the instruments and mechanisms used during adiagnostic test. In the example shown, the station/instrument controller602 is communicatively coupled to instruments 604 a-n. The instruments604 a-n may include, for example, components of the example analyzer 200disclosed above including the first, second and/or third pipettingmechanisms 206, 222, 234, one or more of the ITVs 138 a-f, the firstand/or second wash zones 134, 136, the loading mechanism 300 and/or thereader 130. The example processing system 600 includes an exampleprocessor 606 that operates the station/instrument controller 602 and,thus, the instruments 604 a-n in accordance with a schedule or testingprotocol as disclosed herein.

The example processing system 600 also includes a carousel controller608, which controls one or more carousels of the analyzer. In theexample shown, the carousel controller 608 is communicatively coupled toa first carousel 610 and a second carousel 612. The first carousel 610and the second carousel 612 may correspond, for example, to the firstand second carousels 102, 104 disclosed above in connection with theexample processing track 100. The carousel controller 608 controls therotation of the first and second carousels 610, 612, such as, forexample, using a motor (e.g., the motors 114, 116 disclosed inconnection with the analyzer 200 and the processing track 100). Also,the example processor 606 operates the carousel controller 608 and,thus, the carousels 610, 612 in accordance with a schedule or testingprotocol.

The example processing system 600 also includes a diverter controller614, which controls one or more diverters of the analyzer. In someexamples, one or more of the carousels 610, 612 includes a plurality ofelongated slots to hold one or more vessels for conducting a diagnostictest. A track system may be disposed below one of the carousels 610, 612to lead the vessels of that carousel radially inward or outward toperform certain functions on the vessels. In some examples, divertersmay be used to divert vessels on one of the carousels 610, 612, from onesection of a track to another section of a track. In the exampleanalyzer 200 and processing track 100 disclosed above, the firstdiverter 122 diverts a vessel from the first track 400 to the secondtrack 402, the second diverter 124 diverts a vessel from one section ofthe second track 402 to another section of the second track 402, thethird diverter 126 diverts a vessels onto the wash zone side track 406,and the fourth diverter 128 unloads a vessels from the second carousel104. The diverter controller 614 in the example processing system 600may be used to control the diverters (e.g., the diverter motors) of theexample processing track 100.

The example processing system 600 includes a reader controller 616 thatoperates to control when the readings are taken. In some examples, areader (e.g., the reader 130) is disposed along the inside or theoutside of one of the carousels 610, 612, such that as the carouselrotates, the reader may analyze the contents of the respective vesselson the carousel. In some examples, a reaction vessel is held stationaryin front of the reader for a predetermined time and a reading is taken.In other examples, one or more reaction vessels may be passed by thereader, and the reader takes a plurality of individual readingscorresponding to each reaction vessel as the reaction vessels pass.

The example processing system 600 also includes a database 618 that maystore information related to the operation of the example system 600.The information may include, for example, the testing protocol, reagentidentification information, reagent volume information, sampleidentification information, position information related to a position(e.g., reaction vessel, lockstep and/or rotation) of a sample, statusinformation related to the contents and/or position of a reactionvessel, pipette position information, carousel position information,lockstep duration information, pretreatment timing information, etc.

The example processing system 600 also includes a user interface suchas, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI) 620. An operator ortechnician interacts with the processing system 600 and, thus, theanalyzer 200 and/or the processing track 100 via the interface 620 toprovide, for example, commands related to the testing protocols,information related to the samples to be tested, information related tothe reagents or other fluids to be used in the testing, etc. Theinterface 620 may also be used by the operator to obtain informationrelated to the status and/or results of any testing completed and/or inprogress.

In the example shown, the processing system components 602, 606, 608,614, 616, 618 are communicatively coupled to other components of theexample system 600 via communication links 622. The communication links622 may be any type of wired connection (e.g., a databus, a USBconnection, etc.) and/or any type of wireless communication (e.g., radiofrequency, infrared, etc.) using any past, present or futurecommunication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.). Also,the components of the example system 600 may be integrated in one deviceor distributed over two or more devices.

While an example manner of implementing the processing track 100 and/orthe analyzer 200 of FIGS. 1-5C is illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more ofthe elements, processes and/or devices illustrated in FIG. 6 may becombined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implementedin any other way. Further, the example station/instrument controller602, the example instruments 604 a-n, the example processor 606, theexample carousel controller 608, the example first carousel 610, theexample second carousel 612, the example diverter controller 614, theexample reader controller 616, the example database 618, the examplegraphical user interface 620 and/or, more generally, the exampleprocessing system 600 of FIG. 6 may be implemented by hardware,software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware, software and/orfirmware. Thus, for example, any of the example station/instrumentcontroller 602, the example instruments 604 a-n, the example processor606, the example carousel controller 608, the example first carousel610, the example second carousel 612, the example diverter controller614, the example reader controller 616, the example database 618, theexample graphical user interface 620 and/or, more generally, the exampleprocessing system 600 could be implemented by one or more analog ordigital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s),application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logicdevice(s) (PLD(s)) and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)).When reading any of the apparatus or system claims of this patent tocover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one ofthe example station/instrument controller 602, the example instruments604 a-n, the example processor 606, the example carousel controller 608,the example first carousel 610, the example second carousel 612, theexample diverter controller 614, the example reader controller 616, theexample database 618, the example graphical user interface 620 is/arehereby expressly defined to include a tangible computer readable storagedevice or storage disk such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD),a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk, etc. storing the software and/orfirmware. Further still, the example processing system 600 of FIG. 6 mayinclude one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to,or instead of, those illustrated in FIG. 6, and/or may include more thanone of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices.

Flowcharts representative of example methods 700, 800 and 900 forimplementing the processing track 100, the analyzer 100 and/or theprocessing system 600 of FIGS. 1-6 are shown in FIGS. 7-9B. In thisexample, the methods may be implemented as machine readable instructionscomprising a program for execution by a processor such as the processor1012 shown in the example processor platform 1000 discussed below inconnection with FIG. 10. The program may be embodied in software storedon a tangible computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, afloppy disk, a hard drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-raydisk, or a memory associated with the processor 1012, but the entireprogram and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a deviceother than the processor 1012 and/or embodied in firmware or dedicatedhardware. Further, although the example program is described withreference to the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 7-9B, many othermethods of implementing the example processing track 100, the exampleanalyzer 200 and/or the example processing system 600 may alternativelybe used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may bechanged, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated,or combined.

As mentioned above, the example processes 700, 800 and 900 of FIGS. 7-9Bmay be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer and/ormachine readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readablestorage medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-onlymemory (ROM), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), acache, a random-access memory (RAM) and/or any other storage device orstorage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., forextended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarilybuffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, theterm tangible computer readable storage medium is expressly defined toinclude any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage diskand to exclude propagating signals. As used herein, “tangible computerreadable storage medium” and “tangible machine readable storage medium”are used interchangeably. Additionally or alternatively, the exampleprocesses 700, 800 and 900 of FIGS. 7-9B may be implemented using codedinstructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readable instructions)stored on a non-transitory computer and/or machine readable medium suchas a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a compactdisk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, a random-access memory and/orany other storage device or storage disk in which information is storedfor any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, forbrief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of theinformation). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readablemedium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readabledevice or disk and to exclude propagating signals. As used herein, whenthe phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in a preamble of aclaim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” isopen ended.

FIG. 7 illustrates the example process 700 for diagnostic testing, whichmay be implemented, for example, by the example processing track 100,the example analyzer 200, and/or the example processing system 600disclosed herein. The example process 700 is described from theperspective of the operations for a single vessel as the vessel rotateson a carousel of an analyzer throughout multiple locksteps. Morespecifically, the example process 700 may be used, for example, forpretreating or preparing a sample prior to being loaded onto a mainprocessing carousel or processing path. The example pretreatmentoperations may be used, for example, in a clinical chemistry test or animmunoassay test. Example analyzers and/or processing tracks disclosedherein include a pretreatment carousel (e.g., the second carousel 104)having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of reactionvessels. One or more reaction vessels on the pretreatment carousel maybe used to incubate a sample with a reagent and/or perform otherpretreatment functions to decrease the testing duration of a processingcarousel (e.g., the first carousel 102) where the reactions are to beanalyzed.

The example process 700 includes loading a reaction vessel in a slot(block 702) on the pretreatment carousel. In some examples, a loader isdisposed above and/or adjacent to the pretreatment carousel and is usedto load reaction vessels into the slots of the pretreatment carousel. Inthe example processing track 100 disclosed above, the loading mechanism300 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is used to load the reaction vessels into the slots110 a-n on the second carousel 104.

The example process 700 includes indexing the reaction vessel X1positions (block 704). In some examples, the pretreatment carouselrotates in a plurality of locksteps. During each lockstep, thepretreatment carousel indexes one position forward and remains idle fora period of time. During the period of time when the carousel is idle,different diagnostic testing functions may be performed on the reactionvessels on the pretreatment carousel. In some examples, not all of thelocksteps are the same duration. In some such examples, the pretreatmentcarousel indexes in an alternating major and minor lockstep arrangement,where, for example, the major lockstep has a longer idle time than theminor lockstep. In some examples, X1 represents the number of lockstepsor index positions between the position at which the reaction vessel wasloaded and the position in which a sample is added to the reactionvessel. In the example processing track 100 disclosed above, the secondcarousel 104 is indexed one position in the counterclockwise directionduring each lockstep. In some examples, if a reaction vessel is loadedat the loading mechanism 300 (FIGS. 3 and 4), the reaction vessel isindexed 41 positions until the reaction vessel reaches point A where,for example, a sample may be added to the reaction vessel via the firstpipetting mechanism 206. Therefore, in some examples, X1 is set to 41.

The example process also includes dispensing a sample into the reactionvessel (block 706). In some examples, a sample pipette is disposed nearthe pretreatment carousel to dispense sample(s) into the reactionvessel(s) on the pretreatment carousel. In the example processing track100 disclosed above, the first pipetting mechanism 206 is disposedoutside of the processing track 100. In some examples, the firstpipetting mechanism 206 is to aspirate a sample from a sample containerdisposed along the first path of travel 214 and to dispense the sampleinto a reaction vessel on the second carousel 104 at point A.

The example process 700 includes indexing the reaction vessel X2positions (block 708). In some examples, X2 represents the number oflocksteps or index positions between the position at which sample isdispensed into the reaction vessel and the position at which a reagentis dispensed into the reaction vessel. In the example processing track100 disclosed above, the second carousel 104 is indexed one position inthe counterclockwise direction during each lockstep. In some examples,if a reaction vessel on the second carousel 104 is loaded with sample atpoint A, the reaction vessel is indexed only one position until point D,where, in some examples, a reagent may be dispensed into the reactionvessel. Therefore, in some examples, X2 is set to one.

The example process 700 includes dispensing a reagent into the reactionvessel (block 710). In some examples, a first reagent pipette isdisposed near the pretreatment carousel to dispense a first reagent intothe reaction vessels on the pretreatment carousel. If the reactionvessel is not in position to receive a reagent and/or no reagent isotherwise to be dispensed into the reaction vessel, no reagent is addedand the reaction vessel is indexed another position. The reaction vesselcontinues to index on the pretreatment carousel until the reactionvessel reaches the position where the first reagent pipette can and isscheduled to dispense a first reagent into the reaction vessel (block710). In the example analyzer 200 and processing track 100 disclosedabove, the second pipetting mechanism 222 may be used for dispensing areagent into a reaction vessel on the second carousel 104 at point D. Inthe example shown in FIGS. 2-4, a reaction vessel loaded on to thesecond carousel 104 at the loading mechanism 300 is about 42 indexpositions in the counterclockwise direction away from point D, and, oneindex position from point A. Once a reaction vessel reaches point D, afirst reagent may be dispensed into the reaction vessel (block 710). Insome examples, this step occurs during a major lockstep to providesufficient time for aspirating and dispensing.

The example process 700 includes indexing the reaction vessel X3positions (block 712). In some examples, X3 represents the number oflocksteps or index positions from the position at which the reagent isadded to the reaction vessel and a position at which the contents or aportion of the contents of the reaction vessel are to be aspirated outof the reaction vessel. In some examples, a certain amount of reactingtime is desired to ensure the sample and the reagent have reacted or atleast reacted a desired amount. In such examples, X3 may be correlatedwith the number of locksteps (and time) desired to allow the reagent toreact with the sample. In the example processing track 100 disclosedabove, the second carousel 104 is indexed one position in thecounterclockwise direction during each lockstep. In some examples, afterreceiving a reagent at point D, a reaction vessel is indexed a number oftimes until point C, where, for example, the sample and reagent mixture,or a portion thereof, may be aspirated out of the reaction vessel. Insome examples, X3 is set to 46, which is the number of index positionsfrom point D to point C in the counterclockwise direction.

The example process 700 includes determining if pretreatment is complete(block 714). If pretreatment is complete, the example process 700include aspirating the contents or a portion of the contents of thereaction vessel and dispensing the contents or portion thereof into areaction vessel on the main processing carousel (block 716). In someexamples, the sample pipette, that is disposed near the pretreatmentcarousel, is to aspirate the pretreated mixture from the reaction vesseland to dispense the mixture into a vessel on the main processingcarousel. In other examples, a different pipette mechanism may be usedto aspirate the contents of the reaction vessel and dispense thecontents into a reaction vessel on the main processing carousel. In theexamples shown in FIGS. 2-4, a reaction vessel that was previously atpoint D, and received reagent, will index 46 positions in thecounterclockwise direction until the reaction vessel reaches point C.When the reaction vessel reaches point C, the first pipetting mechanism206 may aspirate the contents of the reaction vessel and dispense thecontents into a vessel on the first carousel 102 at point B forprocessing on the first carousel 102.

If the pretreatment is not complete (block 714), the reaction mixture isnot aspirated from the reaction vessel and the reaction vessel isindexed (block 718). The reaction vessel continues to index (block 718)on the pretreatment carousel until the pretreatment is complete (block714), and the reaction vessel reaches a position where the samplepipette can and is scheduled to aspirate the mixture from the reactionvessel and dispense the mixture into a vessel on the regular processingpath (block 716).

The example process 700 includes indexing the reaction vessel X4positions (block 720). In some examples, X4 represents the number oflocksteps or index positions from the position at which the contents ofthe reaction vessel were removed for processing and the position atwhich the reaction vessel is unloaded. In the example processing track100 disclosed above, the second carousel 104 is indexed one position inthe counterclockwise direction during each lockstep. In some examples,the fourth diverter 128 is to remove reaction vessels (when scheduledto) from the second carousel 104. In some examples, X4 is set to 24,which is the number of index positions from point C to the location ofthe fourth diverter 128. In this example, the reaction vessel passesthrough points A and D again, but during this rotation, no sample orreagent is added.

The example process 700 includes unloading the reaction vessel (block722). In some examples, a diverter or unloader is position above and/oradjacent the pretreatment carousel and is to unload reaction vesselswhen scheduled to (e.g., after the pretreated contents or portionsthereof have be aspirated out for processing). Once the reaction vesselis unloaded, the example process 700 ends (block 724) for that reactionvessel. In the example processing track 100 disclosed above, the fourthdiverter 128 is to remove reaction vessels from the second carouselafter the pretreated contents of such reaction vessel or portionsthereof have been removed for processing. In some examples, the fourthdiverter 128 includes the fourth paddle 420 that engages a rim 113 a-nof a reaction vessel 112 a-n beneath the fourth diverter 128. In someexamples, the fourth diverter 128 rotates the reaction vessel 112 a-nsuch that the rim 113 a-n of the reaction vessel is no longer supportedon the second carousel 104 and, thus, unloads the reaction vessel 112a-n from the second carousel 104. In some examples, the fourth diverter128 unloads (e.g., by rotating) the reaction vessel 112 a-n during theadvancement step of a lockstep. In some examples, the fourth diverter128 has a rotational range of about 90°.

After the reaction vessel is unloaded, the second carousel 104 continuesto index and another reaction vessel (e.g., a clean reaction vessel) maybe deposited or loaded (block 702) into the same slot previouslyoccupied by the unloaded reaction vessel. The clean reaction vessel maybe added when the slot reaches the loading mechanism 300, and anotherexample process 700 may begin. Thus, in this example processing track100, the processing cycle of a reaction vessel on the second carousel104 is about two rotations (i.e., from the position at which thereaction vessel is deposited into a slot till the position at which thereaction vessel is unloaded). During the first rotation a reactionvessel is loaded into a slot and sample and reagent are added to thereaction vessel, and during the second rotation the contents areaspirated from the reaction vessel, and the reaction vessel is unloaded.

Additionally, this example is viewed from the perspective of onereaction vessel progressing through pretreatment operations on apretreatment carousel. However, multiple other pretreatment reactionsmay be occurring simultaneously during the same indexes in the otherslots of the pretreatment carousel and may also be performed using theprocess 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example process 800 for diagnostic testing,which may be implemented, for example, by the example processing track100, the example analyzer 200, and/or the example processing system 600disclosed herein. The example process 800 is described from theperspective of the operations for a single vessel as the vessel rotateson a carousel of an analyzer throughout multiple locksteps. Morespecifically, the example process 800 may be used, for example, forpreparing or pretreating a sample prior to being transferred to aprocessing carousel for analysis. The example pretreatment operationsmay be used, for example, in a clinical chemistry test or an immunoassaytest. Example analyzers and/or processing tracks disclosed hereininclude a pretreatment carousel (e.g., the second carousel 104) having aplurality of slots for receiving a plurality of reaction vessels. Somediagnostic testing protocols involve a two-tube dilution processingsequence in which a reagent and a diluted sample are mixed. Therefore,one or more reaction vessels on the pretreatment carousel may be usedfor mixing and aspirating a reagent and a diluted sample to prepare thesample and reagent mixture for testing on the main processing carousel(e.g., the first carousel 102) where the reactions are to be analyzed.Performance of the dilution pretreatment process on the pretreatmentcarousel 104 decreases processing time on the main processing carousel102.

The example process 800 includes loading a reaction vessel in a slot(block 802) on the pretreatment carousel. In some examples, a loader isdisposed above and/or adjacent to the pretreatment carousel and is usedto load reaction vessels into the slots of the pretreatment carousel. Inthe example processing track 100 disclosed above, the loading mechanism300 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is used to load the reaction vessels into the slots110 a-n on the second carousel 104.

The example process 800 includes indexing the reaction vessel Y1positions (block 804). In some examples, the pretreatment carouselrotates in a plurality locksteps in the counterclockwise direction.During each lockstep, the pretreatment carousel indexes one positionforward and remains idle for a period of time. During the period of timewhen the carousel is idle, different diagnostic testing functions may beperformed on the reaction vessels on the pretreatment carousel. In someexamples, not all of the locksteps are the same duration. In some suchexamples, the pretreatment carousel indexes in an alternating major andminor lockstep arrangement, where, for example, the major lockstep has alonger idle time than the minor lockstep. In some examples, Y1represents the number of locksteps or index positions between theposition at which the reaction vessel was loaded and the position atwhich a sample is added to the reaction vessel. In some examples, if areaction vessel is loaded at the loading mechanism 300 (FIGS. 3 and 4),the reaction vessel is indexed 41 positions till point A where, forexample, a sample may be added to the reaction vessel via the firstpipetting mechanism 206. Therefore, in some examples, Y1 is set to 41.

The example process 800 includes dispensing a sample into the reactionvessel (block 806). In some examples, a sample pipette is disposed nearthe pretreatment carousel to dispense sample into the reaction vesselson the pretreatment carousel. In the example processing track 100disclosed above, the first pipetting mechanism 206 is disposed outsideof the processing track 100. In some examples, the first pipettingmechanism 206 is to aspirate a sample from a sample container disposedalong the first path of travel 214 and to dispense the sample into areaction vessel on the second carousel 104 at point A. In the exampleshown in FIGS. 2-4, a reaction vessel loaded on to the second carousel104 by the loading mechanism 300 is about 41 index positions in thecounterclockwise direction away from point A. When the reaction vesselreaches point A, sample may be dispensed into the reaction vessel viathe first pipetting mechanism 206.

The example process 800 also includes indexing the reaction vessel Y2positions (block 808). In some examples, Y2 represents the number oflocksteps or index positions between the position at which sample isdispensed into the reaction vessel and the position at which a reagentor other liquid is dispensed into the reaction vessel. In some examples,if a reaction vessel on the second carousel 104 is loaded with sample atpoint A, the reaction vessel is indexed only one position until point D,where, in some examples, a reagent and/or other liquids may be dispensedinto the reaction vessel. Thus, in some examples, Y2 is set to one.

The example process 800 also includes dispensing a dilution reagent(s)into the reaction vessel (810). In some examples, a reagent pipette isdisposed near the pretreatment carousel to dispense a first dilutionreagent into the reaction vessels on the pretreatment carousel. In theexample analyzer 200 and processing track 100 disclosed above, thesecond pipetting mechanism 222 may be used for dispensing a dilutionreagent into a reaction vessel on the second carousel 104 at point D. Inthe example shown in FIGS. 2-4, a reaction vessel loaded on to thesecond carousel 104 at the loading mechanism 300 is about 42 indexpositions in the counterclockwise direction away from point A. However,if the reaction vessel was at point A, then the reaction vessel is oneindex position away from point D. When a reaction vessel reaches pointD, a dilution reagent may be dispensed into the reaction vessel.

The example process 800 also includes aspirating an additional reagent(block 812). In some examples, after the reagent pipette has dispenseddilution reagent into the reaction vessel, the reagent pipette is toaspirate another reagent from a different container. In the exampleprocessing track 100 disclosed above, the second pipetting mechanism 222may aspirate a reagent from, for example, a reagent container on thethird carousel 230.

The example process 800 includes aspirating the diluted sample/reagentsfrom the reaction vessel (block 814). Therefore, the reagent pipettewill have aspirated from both the reagent container and the reactionvessel containing the diluted sample/reagent mixture. In the exampleanalyzer 200 and processing track 100 disclosed above, the secondpipetting mechanism 222 may be used for aspirating a second reagentafter the second pippetting mechanism 222 has dispensed the firstdilution reagent into the reaction vessel. The second pipettingmechanism 222 may then aspirate the contents (i.e., the diluted samplemixture) of the reaction vessel at point D on the second carousel 104.

The example process 800 includes dispensing the mixture of the secondreagent and the diluted sample into a reaction vessel on the processingcarousel (block 816). The reagent pipette may be used to dispense thediluted sample and reagent mixture into a vessel on the processingcarousel for processing. In the example analyzer 200 and processingtrack 100 disclosed above, the second pipetting mechanism 222 maydispense this mixture into a reaction vessel on the first carousel 102at point E. In some examples, this step occurs during a major lockstepto provide sufficient time for aspirating and dispensing.

The example process 800 includes indexing the reaction vessel Y3positions (block 818) via, for example, indexing processes disclosedherein. In some examples, Y3 represents the number of locksteps or indexpositions from the position at which the diluted sample mixture or aportion thereof was removed for processing and the position at which thereaction vessel is unloaded. In some examples, the fourth diverter 128is to remove reaction vessels (when scheduled to) from the secondcarousel 104. In such an example, Y3 may be set to eight, which is thenumber of index positions from point D to the location of the fourthdiverter 128.

The example process 800 also includes unloading the reaction vessel fromthe pretreatment carousel (block 820). In some examples, a diverter orpassive unloader is disposed adjacent the pretreatment carousel and isto unload reaction vessels when a reaction vessel reaches the diverterand is scheduled to be unloaded (e.g., after aspiration of thepretreated mixture). When the reaction vessel is unloaded, the exampleprocess 800 ends (block 822) for that reaction vessel. After thereaction vessel is unloaded, the second carousel 104 continues to indexand another reaction vessel (e.g., a clean reaction vessel) may bedeposited or loaded (block 802) into the same slot previously occupiedby the unloaded vessel. The clean vessel may be added when the slotreaches the loading mechanism 300, and the example process 800 may startover.

This example testing is viewed from the perspective of one reactionvessel progressing through pretreatment operations on a pretreatmentcarousel. However, multiple other pretreatment reactions may beoccurring simultaneously during the same indexes in the other slots ofthe pretreatment carousel and may be performed using this process aswell.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example diagnostic testing process 900,which may be implemented, for example, by the example processing track100, the example analyzer 200, and/or the example processing system 600disclosed herein. The example process 900 is described from theperspective of the operations for a single vessel as the vessel rotateson a processing carousel of an analyzer throughout multiple locksteps.The example diagnostic testing operations may be used, for example, in aclinical chemistry test or an immunoassay test. Example analyzers and/orprocessing tracks disclosed herein include a processing carousel (e.g.,the first carousel 102) having a plurality of slots for receiving aplurality of reaction vessels. In some examples, the processing carouselrotates in locksteps (e.g., discrete intervals). In some examples, eachlockstep includes an advancement step and a stop step. During theadvancement step, the reaction vessels on the processing carousel areindexed (e.g., moved) one position forward (e.g., counterclockwise) fromrespective previous positions. In some examples, the processing carouselincludes 46 slots for receiving reaction vessels.

The example process 900 includes loading a reaction vessel in a slot(block 902) on the processing carousel. In some examples, the slots ofthe processing carousel are elongated such that a reaction vessel in oneof the slots can move radially inward and outward in the slot. In someexamples, the processing carousel includes a track system disposed aboveor below the process carousel. In some examples the track systemincludes a plurality of indentations or grooves on a lid or cover of theanalyzer, and rims of the respective reaction vessels engage the groovesand, thus, follow the path of the track system. In the exampleprocessing track 100 disclosed above, the loading mechanism 300 isdisposed above the first carousel 102 to load reaction vessels into theslots 108 a-n of the first carousel 102. The reaction vessels aredeposited in the outermost radial area of the slot 108 a-n and engagethe first track 400 of the track system 244 once loaded.

The example process 900 includes indexing the reaction vessel Z1positions (block 904). In some examples, Z1 may represent the number oflocksteps or index positions between the position at which the reactionvessel is loaded and the position at which at which a sample is added tothe reaction vessel. In the example processing track 100 disclosedabove, the first carousel 102 is indexed one position in thecounterclockwise direction during each lockstep. In some examples, if areaction vessel is loaded at the loading mechanism 300 (FIGS. 3 and 4),the reaction vessel is indexed 31 positions until point B where, forexample, a sample may be added to the reaction vessel via the firstpipetting mechanism 206. Therefore, in some examples, Z1 is set to 31.The example process 900 includes determining whether a sample is to bedispensed into the reaction vessel (block 906). In some examples, asample pipette is disposed near the processing carousel to dispensesample into the reaction vessel on the processing carousel. In someexamples, a sample is aspirated from a sample container. In otherexamples, the sample may be a pretreated sample and may be aspiratedfrom the pretreatment carousel as disclosed in block 716 of the examplepretreatment process 700 in FIG. 7. In other examples, a first reagentpipette may be used to aspirate reagent and a diluted sample/reagentfrom the pretreatment carousel as disclosed in the example two-tubedilution process disclosed in the process 800 of FIG. 8. If the reactionvessel is in a position to receive a sample and is scheduled to receivea sample, then a sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel (block908). If the reaction vessel is not in position to receive a sample oris not scheduled to receive a sample, no sample or diluted samplemixture is added.

In the example analyzer 200 and processing track 100 disclosed above,the first pipetting mechanism 206 may be used for dispensing a sampleinto a reaction vessel on the first carousel 102 at point B. In someexamples, the first pipetting mechanism 206 aspirates a sample from asample container disposed outside of the processing track 100 anddispenses the sample into a reaction vessel on the first carousel atpoint B. In other examples, the first pipetting mechanism 206 aspiratesa pretreated sample from a reaction vessel on the second carousel 104 atpoint C and dispenses this mixture into the reaction vessel on the firstcarousel 102 at point B. In other examples, the second pipettingmechanism 222 aspirates a reagent and a diluted sample/reagent mixturefrom the second carousel 104 at point D and dispenses the reagent andmixture into a reaction vessel on the first carousel 102 at point E.

After a sample is added (block 908) or if no sample is to be added(block 906), the example process 900 includes indexing the reactionvessel Z2 positions (block 910). In some examples, Z2 represents thenumber of locksteps or index positions from the position at which thereaction vessel is to receive sample and a position at which thereaction vessel is to receive a reagent. In the example processing track100 disclosed above, a reaction vessel at point B indexes one positionto point E, where, in some examples, a reagent is added to the reactionvessel. Therefore, in some examples, Z2 is set to one.

The example process 900 includes determining if a reagent is to be addedto the reaction vessel (block 912). In some examples, a first reagentpipette is disposed near the processing carousel to dispense a firstreagent into the reaction vessels on the processing carousel. If thereaction vessel is in a position to receive a reagent and is scheduledto receive a reagent, the first reagent pipette will aspirate a reagentfrom a reagent container and dispense the reagent into the reactionvessel (block 914). If the reaction vessel is not in position to receivea first reagent and/or is not scheduled to receive the first reagent, noreagent is added.

In the example analyzer 200 and processing track 100 disclosed above,the second pipetting mechanism 222 may be used for dispensing a reagentinto a reaction vessel on the first carousel 102 at point E. During thepositions prior to point E, a reaction vessel is indexed and held idleor stationary (i.e., no reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel).In the examples shown in FIGS. 2-4, if the reaction vessel was at pointB, then the reaction vessel is one index position away from point E.Once a reaction vessel reaches point E, a first reagent may be dispensedinto the reaction vessel.

After a reagent is added (block 914) or if no reagent is to be added(block 912), the example process 900 includes indexing the reactionvessel Z3 positions (block 916). In some examples, Z3 represents thenumber of locksteps or index positions between the positions (or time)at which the first reagent was added to the reaction vessel and the timethe reaction vessel reaches a first diverter, which may divert thereaction vessel onto a spiral track portion of the track system. Theexample processing track 100 disclosed above includes the first diverter122 which may divert a reaction vessel from the first track 400 to thesecond track 402. In such an example, the number of locksteps or indexpositions from point E to the location of the first diverter 122 isfour. Therefore, in some examples, Z3 is set to four.

The example process 900 includes determining if the reaction vessel isclean (block 918). If the reaction vessel is clean such as, for example,if no samples or reagents were dispensed into the reaction vessel, andthe reaction vessel is not ready for processing, the reaction vessel isindexed Z4 positions (block 920). In such examples, the reaction vesselis maintained on an outer track of the track system and, thus, in theoutermost radial area of the respective slot. In some examples, Z4represents the number of locksteps or positions until the reactionvessel is in the position where the reaction vessel may receive a sample(block 906). In the example processing track 100 disclosed above, if areaction vessel is clean (e.g., not used), the reaction vessel remainson the first track 400 and continues rotating in the outermost sectionof its slot such that during the next rotation, the reaction vesselpasses through points B and E, where control of the example process 900returns to block 906 and the reaction vessel may receive, for example, asample and a reagent.

If the vessel is not clean (e.g., includes a sample and a reagent and isready for processing) (block 918), the reaction vessel is diverted(block 922) onto a second track (e.g., a spiral track). In the exampleprocessing track 100 disclosed above, the first diverter 122 divertsreaction vessels from the first track 400 to the second track 402 tocontinue the diagnostic testing.

After the reaction vessel is diverted to the second track, the exampleprocess 900 includes indexing the reaction vessel Z5 positions (block924). In some examples, Z5 represents the number of locksteps betweenthe first diverter (when the reaction vessel was diverted onto thesecond track) and a second diverter (block 926) (e.g., the statdiverter). In some examples, the second track spirals around theprocessing carousel, decreasing in diameter. In some examples, thespiral track reaches the inner portion of the first carousel 102 aftertwo rotations on the first carousel 102. The stat diverter may divertthe reaction vessel from one section of the second track to anothersection of the second track, which causes the reaction vessel to bypassa portion of the second track and, in some examples, bypass a rotationon the first carousel 102. Thus, the stat diverter may be used todecrease the processing time of the reaction vessel. For example, if thereaction taking place in the reaction vessel requires a longerincubation time, then the reaction vessel continues on the second track(e.g., is not a stat reaction (block 926) and is not diverted) and isindexed Z6 positions (block 928). Z6 represents the number of positionsaround the track until a third divert location (e.g., a first wash zone)(block 934). In the example processing track 100 disclosed above, Z6 isthe number of positions from the second diverter 124 to the thirddiverter 126 on the extended section of the second track 402. In someexamples, Z6 may be 52.

Alternatively, if the reaction takes place at a faster rate, forexample, the reaction is a stat reaction (block 926), and the reactionvessel is diverted (block 930) to another section of the second trackand, thus, will be closer to the inner portion of the first carousel 102and to the reader 130 and data gathering. In the example processingtrack 100 disclosed above, the second diverter 124 operates to divert areaction vessel from one portion of the second track 402 to a differentportion of the second track 402, bypassing an entire revolution on thesecond track before being analyzed by the reader 130.

If the reaction vessel is diverted (block 930), the example process 900includes indexing the reaction vessel Z7 positions (block 932). In someexamples, Z7 represents the number of positions from the second diverterto a third diverter location, where a first wash zone may be accessed.In the example processing track 100 disclosed above, Z7 is the number ofpositions from the second diverter 124 to the third diverter 126 on theshortened section of the second track 402. Therefore, in some examples,Z7 may be three.

The example process 900 includes a third diverter which includesdetermining whether a first wash is desired and/or needed (block 934).In some examples, the second track may include a third diverter to leadthe reaction vessel to a first wash station where, for example, magneticmicroparticle processing may occur and unwanted conjugate may be washedfrom the sample and magnetic microparticles. If a first wash is desiredand/or needed (block 934), the reaction vessel is diverted to a sidetrack of the second track that leads to the wash zone and the contentsof the reaction vessel are washed (block 936). The example process 900includes indexing the reaction vessel Z8 positions (block 936). Z8represents the positions on the side track from the third diverter to asecond reagent access point, discussed in detail below. In the exampleprocessing track 100 disclosed above, the third diverter 126 may diverta reaction vessel onto the wash zone side track 406 where the contentsof the reaction vessel can be washed. In this example, Z8 may representthe locksteps or positions along the wash zone side track 406 from thethird diverter 126 until the second reagent access point, e.g., point F.Therefore, in some examples, Z8 is set to 13.

If the reaction vessel is not diverted to the first wash zone (block934), the example process includes indexing the reaction vessel Z9positions on the processing carousel (block 940). In some examples, Z9represents the number of positions along the second track from the washzone diverter to a second reagent access or dispensation point. In theexample processing track 100 shown above, the second track 402 splits atthe third diverter 126 such that a reaction vessel may follow the washzone side track 406 to be washed or may stay on the second track 402. Ineither path, the tracks reconnect before point F. Therefore, in someexamples, Z9 is set to Z8.

The example process 900 in FIG. 9A continues in FIG. 9B. The exampleprocess 900 includes determining if a second reagent is to be added tothe reaction vessel (block 940). In some examples, a second reagentpipette is disposed within the diameter of the processing carousel. Insome examples, the second reagent pipette is to aspirate a secondreagent and dispense the reagent into a reaction vessel. If it isdetermined that a second reagent is desired, the second reagent pipettedispenses a second reagent into the reaction vessel (block 944). In theexample processing track 100 disclosed above, the third pipettingmechanism 234 is to aspirate a second reagent and dispense the secondreagent into a reaction vessel on the first carousel 102 at point F.

In some examples, a second reagent is not to be added (block 942). Theexample process 900 includes indexing the reaction vessel Z10 positions(block 946). In some examples, Z10 represents the number of positionsfrom the location at which the second reagent pipette is disposed or hasaccess to the reaction vessels, to a location of a second wash zone. Inthe example processing track 100 disclosed above, a reaction vessel atpoint F on the first carousel 102 continues to index counterclockwise onthe first carousel 102 into the second wash zone 136. In some examples,Z10 represents the number of locksteps, or index positions, betweenpoint F and the second wash zone 136. In some examples, Z10 is set to16.

The example process 900 includes washing the contents of the reactionvessel (block 948). In some examples, the analytes of interests areattached to magnetic microparticles. Additional materials not ofinterest may also be attached to the magnetic microparticles. During thesecond wash step (block 948), any unwanted conjugate may be washed fromthe magnetic microparticles using, for example, magnetic microparticleprocessing.

The example process 900 includes indexing the reaction vessel Z11positions (block 950). Z11 represents the number of positions betweenthe second wash zone and a position where a reading is taken. In theexample processing track 100 disclosed above, Z11 may represent thelockstep positions between the second wash zone 136 and the position ofthe reader 130.

The example process 900 includes reading the contents of the reactionvessel (block 952). In some examples, a reader is disposed along theprocessing carousel to analyze the contents of the reaction vessel. Forexample, during an example chemiluminescent reaction, the reader gathersphoton data representative of a reaction and the contents of thereaction vessel.

The example process 900 also includes indexing the reaction vessel Z12positions. In some examples, Z12 represents the number of indexpositions or locksteps until the reaction vessel is unloaded from theprocessing carousel. The example process 900 includes unloading thereaction vessel from its respective slot on the processing carousel(block 956). In some examples, a passive or active unloaded is disposedadjacent the processing carousel to remove vessels from the processingcarousel. In the example processing track 100 disclosed above, theunloaded area 404 (FIG. 4A) represent an area where the reaction vesselmay be unloaded. In the example shown, this is also the end of thesecond track 402. After unloading the reaction vessel from its slot onthe processing carousel, the example process 900 ends (block 958) forthat reaction vessel.

In some examples, the processing carousel continues to index and anotherreaction vessel may be added (block 902) to the same slot and anotherdiagnostic analysis may take place using the sample process 900.Although only one reaction vessel was described in the process 900,multiple reaction vessels may be performing diagnostic analysis on anumber of samples as the processing carousel rotates. In some examples,multiple reaction vessels may be disposed within the same slot on theprocess carousel. In such examples, a first reaction vessel may beengaged with the first track and be disposed in the outermost radialposition in the slot, a second reaction vessel may be engaged with thesecond track and be disposed in the middle area of the slot, and a thirdreaction vessel may be disposed in the innermost radial position in theslot. Each of the reaction vessels may be at different stages ofdiagnostic testing.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example processor platform 1000 capableof executing the one or more instructions of FIGS. 7-9B to implement oneor more portions of the apparatus and/or systems of FIGS. 1-6. Theprocessor platform 1000 can be, for example, a server, a personalcomputer, a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tabletsuch as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internetappliance, and/or or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform 1000 of the illustrated example includes aprocessor 1012. The processor 1012 of the illustrated example ishardware. For example, the processor 1012 can be implemented by one ormore integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors or controllersfrom any desired family or manufacturer.

The processor 1012 of the illustrated example includes a local memory1013 (e.g., a cache). The processor 1012 of the illustrated example isin communication with a main memory including a volatile memory 1014 anda non-volatile memory 1016 via a bus 1018. The volatile memory 1014 maybe implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM),Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory(RDRAM) and/or any other type of random access memory device. Thenon-volatile memory 1016 may be implemented by flash memory and/or anyother desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory 1014,1016 is controlled by a memory controller.

The processor platform 1000 of the illustrated example also includes aninterface circuit 1020. The interface circuit 1020 may be implemented byany type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, auniversal serial bus (USB), and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 1022 are connectedto the interface circuit 1020. The input device(s) 1022 permit(s) a userto enter data and commands into the processor 1012. The input device(s)can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, acamera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, atrack-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

One or more output devices 1024 are also connected to the interfacecircuit 1020 of the illustrated example. The output devices 1024 can beimplemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emittingdiode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystaldisplay, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touchscreen, a tactileoutput device and/or a light emitting diode (LED). The interface circuit1020 of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphicsdriver card, a graphics driver chip or a graphics driver processor.

The interface circuit 1020 of the illustrated example also includes acommunication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, amodem and/or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data withexternal machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network826 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), atelephone line, coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 1000 of the illustrated example also includes oneor more mass storage devices 1028 for storing software and/or data.Examples of such mass storage devices 1028 include floppy disk drives,hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAIDsystems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

The coded instructions 1032 of FIGS. 7-9B may be stored in the massstorage device 1028, in the volatile memory 1014, in the non-volatilememory 1016, and/or on a removable tangible computer readable storagemedium such as a CD or DVD.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: rotating a first carouselrelative to a base, the first carousel including: a first annular arrayof slots to receive a first plurality of vessels; a first track ofrotation about the first carousel having a first diameter; and a secondtrack of rotation about the first carousel having a second diametersmaller than the first diameter; diverting at least one of the firstplurality of vessels from the first track to the second track; rotatinga second carousel relative to the base, the second carousel beingcoaxial with the first carousel, the second carousel including a secondannular array of slots to receive a second plurality of vessels; anddispensing a liquid sample into at least one of the second plurality ofvessels.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second carousel isconcentric with the first carousel.
 3. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding diverting at least one of the first plurality of vessels fromone location on the second track to another location on the secondtrack.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first carousel includes afirst diameter and the second carousel includes a second diameter largerthan the first diameter.
 5. The method of claim 4 further including:aspirating a first fluid from a first container disposed outside of thefirst diameter and the second diameter; and dispensing the first fluidinto at least one of the first plurality of vessels on the firstcarousel or one of the second plurality of vessels on the secondcarousel.
 6. The method of claim 5, further including: aspirating asecond fluid from one of the second plurality of vessels on the secondcarousel; and dispensing the second fluid into one of the firstplurality of vessels on the first carousel.
 7. The method of claim 5,further including: aspirating a third fluid from a second containerdisposed outside of the first diameter and the second diameter; anddispensing the third fluid into at least one of the first plurality ofvessels on the first carousel or one of the second plurality of vesselson the second carousel.
 8. The method of claim 7, further including:aspirating the third fluid from the second container; aspirating afourth fluid from one of the second plurality of vessels on the secondcarousel; and dispensing the third fluid and the fourth fluid into oneof the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel.
 9. The methodof claim 7, further including: aspirating a fifth fluid from a thirdcontainer disposed within the first diameter and the second diameter;and dispensing the fifth fluid into one of the first plurality ofvessels on the first carousel.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thefifth fluid is dispensed into one of the first plurality of vessels whenthe vessel is on the second track of rotation.
 11. The method of claim1, further including rotating the first carousel to transport one of thevessels of the first plurality of vessels on the second track ofrotation from an outer radial location on the first carousel to an innerradial location on the first carousel.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the second track of rotation includes a spiral, and whereinrotating one of the first plurality of vessels on the second track movesthe vessel from the outer radial location to the inner radial location.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first carousel is to complete atleast two rotations to transport the vessel from the outer radiallocation to the inner radial location on the first carousel.
 14. Amethod comprising: rotating a first carousel relative to a base, thefirst carousel having a first diameter and a first annular array ofslots to receive a first plurality of vessels; rotating a secondcarousel relative to the base, the second carousel being coaxial withthe first carousel, the second carousel having a second diameter largerthan the first diameter and a second annular array of slots to receive asecond plurality of vessels; aspirating a first fluid from a firstcontainer outside of the first diameter and the second diameter via afirst pipetting mechanism, the first pipetting mechanism beingpositioned outside of the first diameter and outside of the seconddiameter; dispensing the first fluid, via the first pipetting mechanism,into at least one of one of the first plurality of vessels on the firstcarousel or one of the second plurality of vessels on the secondcarousel; aspirating a second fluid from a second container outside ofthe first diameter and the second diameter via a second pipettingmechanism, the second pipetting mechanism being positioned outside ofthe first diameter and outside of the second diameter; dispensing thesecond fluid, via the second pipetting mechanism, into at least one ofone of the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel or one ofthe second plurality of vessels on the second carousel; aspirating athird fluid from a third container disposed within the first diameterand the second diameter via a third pipetting mechanism, the thirdpipetting mechanism being positioned inside of the first diameter andthe second diameter; and dispensing the third fluid, via the thirdpipetting mechanism, into one of the first plurality of vessels on thefirst carousel.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second carouselis concentric with the first carousel.
 16. The method of claim 14,further including: aspirating, via the first pipetting mechanism, afourth fluid from one of the second plurality of vessels on the secondcarousel; and dispensing, via the first pipetting mechanism, the fourthfluid into one of the first plurality of vessels on the first carousel.17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first fluid is a sample.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, further including rotating the first carousel in aplurality of intervals, each interval having and advancement and a stop.19. The method of claim 18, further including rotating the secondcarousel in a plurality of minor intervals and major intervals.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the minor interval has an advancement and astop and the major interval has an advancement and a stop, the stop ofthe major interval being longer than the stop of the minor interval.